Unit 5 Reflection

    This unit was about DNA, replication, protein synthesis, and mutations. We learned how DNA is made of a nitrogenous base, a phosphate group, and a sugar, as well as other details about the structure of DNA. In replication, DNA is split into two strands. Each of those two strands are used as templates for making the new DNA strands. Proteins are made when DNA goes through transcription and translation. There are many different types of mutations, including insertion, deletion, and substitution. One of my strengths were understanding the concepts taught. I also worked with my current group better. One setback was that I did not follow the directions for making the DNA correctly, so it turned into a "slide". I'd like to learn more about gene expression and regulation. I wonder about how it is amazing that processes happen quickly in the cell.

     I have grown as a student, as I learned how to cooperate with my peers better. I participate more with group discussions. I also learned how to focus better when studying. Mr. Orre taught us a process of "active studying", which I found very "useful." A good student means that he or she focuses in class and while studying, and participates in discussions. A good student should also use their time efficiently. The end affect of being a good student is getting good grades. I feel like I am not a completely good student and can try a bit harder, although I am satisfied with my grades right now. I am a better student than I was yesterday, because I learned how to manage my time efficiently, as I need to study for finals as well as not sleeping too late. I also have built on my previous biology knowledge. I tried to do the things that were easier for me, and I guess it helped a bit in my studying.

Protein Synthesis

    Proteins are made starting with DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid. The first step of the process is transcription, where one strand of the double helix is used as a template to make mRNA, or messenger RNA. All of this takes place in the nucleus, as DNA cannot exit it. The mRNA then travels to a ribosome, and goes through the process of translation. In this process, every three bases in the RNA sequence, called a codon, is coded for an amino acid. After the strand of mRNA is finished translating, the amino acid chain is twisted and folded into a protein.

Transcription and Translation. Digital image. Wikipedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.

    The insertion and deletion mutations, also known as frame-shift mutations, are more impactful than substitution mutations. The mutations are also more impactful if they are located near the start of the sequence. If the mutation was near the front of the sequence, then all the amino acids after the mutation would be affected. But if it were located near the end, only a few amino acids would be changed.

Point Mutations. Digital image. Wikipedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.

    I chose insertion as my mutation because it is a frame-shift mutation and is very impactful. This was more damaging than other mutations, since it forced the sequence to not even be able to be translated. I mutated the very beginning of the sequence so that the mutation would do the most damage. Putting the mutation in the back would not have done as much damage.

Insertion. Digital image. Wikipedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.

     Mutations could affect my life by making me do some things that "normal" people wouldn't do. For example, I might have mental retardation, which would make me think like a child for the rest of my life. My body might also not work properly, which may lead to sickness, or even death. Phenylketonuria is a disease caused by a mutation on the PAH gene, located on chromosome 12. It can lead to intellectual disability, seizures, behavioral problems, and mental disorder.

Structure of L-phenylalanine. Digital image. Wikipedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2016.

Human DNA Extraction Lab

    In this lab we asked the question, "How can DNA be separated from cheek cells in order to study it?" We found that DNA can be extracted by going through a three-step process: homogenization, lysis, and precipitation. We took cheek cells from our mouths and broke down the nuclear material of the cells with detergent, a polar liquid. We added salt to facilitate the precipitation and soap to lyse the cell membranes and emulsify the lipids and proteins. Then, we used catabolic proteases to break down proteins called histones that the DNA wrapped around. Finally, alcohol, a nonpolar substance, was added after mixing the solution to form the precipitate, DNA. This process of extracting DNA is confirmed with textbook information as well as other "articles". This data supports our claim because it shows that extracting DNA can be done in the way shown.
    While our hypothesis was supported by our data, there could have been errors due to the fact that we shook the test tube a little after the alcohol was put in, causing the alcohol and Gatorade solution to mix a little. This would affect our results, as the DNA would go back into the Gatorade solution. Another error is that we did not let the solution sit for long enough. This would impact our results, as the processes may not have been fully complete. Due to these errors, in future experiments I recommend that the experimenters should carefully follow the procedure given to them and have a good timer.
   This lab was done to demonstrate the process of DNA extraction. From this lab, I learned that polar liquids can help break down nuclear material, the different materials to help with different processes, and other similar concepts. I also learned how DNA extraction works. Based on my experience from this lab, I could can use the process described above the extract other materials from other substances.