Ch.

21:Nucleic Acids and

Protein Synthesis
Jordan Esplin, John Ayoroa, Kimberly Woodward,
Eliza Andreasen

Genetic Mutation
Substitution
5 - UCA AAA GCC CUU - 3
5 - UCA AAA GCG CUU - 3

Frameshift
5 - UCA AAA GCC CUU - 3
5 - UAA AAG CCC UU - 3

Huntingtons Disease
Genetic mutation in a gene on Chromosome 4
Physical impairment
Death of brain nerve cells
Involuntary movement
Depression

Recombinant DNA
Scientists cut and recombine DNA fragments

Important because...
Used to produce human insulin for diabetics,
the antiviral substance interferon, blood
clotting factor VIII, human growth hormone,
etc...

Viruses
Small particles of 3-200 genes that cannot replicate
without a host cell.
Contains a nucleic acid, DNA or RNA, but not both,
inside a protein coat
Only way a virus can replicate is to invade a host cell
and take over the mechanisms necessary for RNA,
DNA, and protein synthesis

AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
A retrovirus that infects and destroys T4 lymphocyte
cells, which are involved in the immune response
Estimate over 50,000 new infections each year
US has highest AIDS-related death rate of any wealthy
nation

Forensics
DNA is found in every cell of the body and it
only takes a small amount to be able to identify
a suspect.
PCR allows for the replication of DNA so a small
amount can be tested
After PCR, a short tandem repeat (STR) analysis
is completed. STR analysis examines how often base
pairs repeat in specific loci, or locations, on a DNA strand.

Forensics Contd
Once a visual representation of the DNA sequence has been achieved, it is
ready to be tested for matching.
If the DNA sequence rendered and the suspects DNA match, it can be
used as evidence to convict.
If they dont match, the police can run it through the National DNA Indexing
Database or the CODIS (Combined DNA Indexing Database), which allows
labs to quickly share their DNA data.
These cold hits have linked thousands of unknown suspects to crimes.
DNA evidence also useful in: studying evolution of human populations,
paternity testing,identifying human remains,studying inherited disorders,
clarifying history, and catching poachers.
http://forensics.rice.edu

Polymerase Chain Reaction

Produce multiple copies of DNA in a short period of time
1. A sequence of a DNA molecule is selected to copy
2. DNA is heated to separate the strands
3. Primers are added to nucleotides on each end of sequence
to be copied.
4. DNA strands and primers are mixed with DNA polymerase to
undergo cycles of heating and cooling, which produces a
new, complementary DNA strand.
5. Process is repeated with the new DNA segment to produce
millions of copies

PCR