Name____________________________
DNA Investigation: Transcription, Translation, and Mutation
Transcription:
#1) www-class.unl.edu/biochem/gp2/m_biology/animation/gene/gene_a2.html (Transcription
Animation #2 on my website)
 Use website #1 to answer the following questions after watching the animation:
1—Which region of the gene acts as the “light switch” to turn on transcription?
2—What molecule “unwinds” the DNA during transcription?
3—After the mRNA strand is synthesized and travels to the cytoplasm, what happens to the “unzipped” DNA
strand in the nucleus?
Translation:
#2) www-class.unl.edu/biochem/gp2/m_biology/animation/gene/gene_a3.html
(Translation Animation #1 on my website)
 Use website #2 to answer the following questions after watching the animation:
4—What is the first step of protein synthesis called?
5—What is the second step of protein synthesis called? What happens during this step?
6—What three nitrogen bases make up the “start codon”? ___ ___ ___
7—What type of chemical bond joins together the amino acids in the chain that is produced during translation?
Use your notes, GOOGLE, and/or your own knowledge to answer the following ?s:
8—What is the first amino acid on the chain made during any act of translation?
9—What does the Release Factor do? What three codons call for the release factor?
Mutation:
#3) gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/disorders/sloozeworm/mutationbg.cfm
(Mutations #1 on my website)
#4) www.genetichealth.com/G101_Changes_in_DNA.shtml
(Mutations #2 on my website)
 Use website #3 to answer the following questions:
10—What are the two processes that usually cause DNA mutations. Briefly EXPLAIN each process.
1)
2)
11—List three environmental agents that can damage DNA and cause mutations by modifying nucleotide
bases.
1)
2)
3)
12—Other than modifying nucleotide bases, how else can environmental agents alter DNA?
13—How often does DNA polymerase make a mistake during replication to cause a mutation?
14—How can a cell “fix” potential DNA mutations?
 Use website #4 to answer the following questions:
15—List 5 different types of DNA mutations.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
16---Find a website online that covers DNA, Replication, Transcription, Translation, and/or Mutations that is
NOT listed on this sheet. Create 5 of your own “webquest” questions based on this website and write down
the web address.
Additional Genetics Resources:
Visit www.nature.ca/genome/04/041/041_e.cfm and try out the genetics games. Let me know if they are
helpful!!!
Genetics Tour: An Internet Investigation
Go to my website. Click on: Goal 3: Inheritance
Scroll down, then click on: “Genetics Tour”
A) At the top of the web-page, click on “What is DNA?” and watch the slideshow.
1) The DNA strand is made of letters, the letters make words, and the words make sentences. These
sentences are called __________.
B) At the top of the web-page, click on “What is a Gene?” and watch the slideshow.
2) What is a gene?
3) Approximately how many genes are encoded in the DNA of a human?
4) __________________________ is a genetic disease that results in the mutation of hemoglobin
protein within our red blood cells.
5) Other than providing the instructions for building a hemoglobin molecule, what are two other
examples provided in the slideshow of traits that are controlled by genes?
C) At the top of the web-page, click on “What is a Chromosome?” and watch the slideshow.
6) Look at the set of human chromosomes displayed on the slideshow. Is this set of chromosomes
from a male or a female? How do you know?
7) As you know, humans have 46 chromosomes. Mosquitos have ____. Onions have ____. Carp
have ____.
D) At the top of the web-page, click on “What is a Protein?” and watch the slideshow.
8) If our body is compared to a car engine, why can proteins be compared to the parts of the engine?
9) ______________ proteins allow a cell to keep its shape.
10) Where within the cell are proteins made?
E) At the top of the web-page, click on “What is Heredity?” and watch the slideshow.
11) The passing of _____________________________________________ is the basis of heredity.
12) Other than genes, what is the other major factor that helps define our traits?
13) What is a zygote?
14) When looking at the “First Baby’s Possible Chromosomes” and the “Second Baby’s Possible
Chromosomes” from their parents, determine if these two babies are identical twins or fraternal twins.
How do you know?
F) At the top of the web-page, click on “What is a Trait?” and watch the slideshow.
15) What is a trait?
16) What is the difference between a physical trait and a behavioral trait?
17) What are some diseases that can be passed down as genetic traits? List at least 5.
18) When thinking about the risk of developing heart disease, what can be influenced by genetics?
What can be influenced by behavior?
19) Will people that have the genotype “Hh” in the slideshow have two straight thumbs, two
hitchhikers thumbs, or one straight/one hitchhikers thumb?
20) The color of a carnation’s petals is influences by the genetic principle called
_______________________.
21) All humans share _____% identical DNA!!!