X-Sheet 2
Protein Synthesis and DNA Fingerprinting
Life Sciences X-Sheets
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Protein Synthesis and DNA Fingerprinting
Key Concepts:
In this session we will focus on summarising what you need to know about:
The process and importance of protein synthesis and DNA fingerprinting.
Terminology & Definitions:
Messenger RNA (mRNA): responsible for carrying the genetic code transcribed from
DNA to specialized sites of the ribosomes where the information is translated for
protein synthesis.
Transfer RNA (tRNA): carries specific amino acids to the mRNA codon in the
production of proteins.
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA): form the ribosomes and produce the proteins based on the
information from the tRNA.
Base pairing: Purines pair with Pyrimidines - adenine (A) always bonds to thymine (T)
and guanine (G) with cytosine (C) in DNA molecule to ensures the precision of DNA
replication
Codon: the corresponding three-base sequence (triplet) on the mRNA required to
specify one amino acid in a protein chain on the DNA template.
Anticodon: a set of three bases on the tRNA that correspond with the codon on the
mRNA.
Transcription: the enzyme controlled process where the base sequence of
chromosomal DNA is transferred to mRNA to form a complementary copy.
Translation: the process where the code on a piece of mRNA results in a specific
sequence of amino acids, to form a specific protein.
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Protein Synthesis and DNA Fingerprinting
Key concepts and Diagrams:
What is a protein?
Proteins are macro molecules that contain the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and
nitrogen and some may contain sulphur and phosphorus as well. Amino acids are the
building blocks (monomers) of proteins.
Amino acids are joined by peptide bonds to form peptide chains. Peptide chains join to
form a protein by a process called polymerization. Protein synthesis provides the
sequence of the amino acids combination that are unique to each individual. Any small
change will result in the protein losing the ability to function or it may cause a mutation. All
cells, hormones (except sex hormones), antibodies, blood and enzymes consist of
proteins.
X-planation:
The process of Protein synthesis:
Step 1: Transcription (Remember that RNA contains uracilin place of thymine on the
DNA).
Step 2: tRNA has an anticodon – picks specific amino acid and carries it to the ribosome
where mRNA codon determines the anticodon fit. (For example the mRNA codon of GGG
will only accept the tRNA anticodon of CCC and the CCC bases were originally on the
DNA triplet)
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Protein Synthesis and DNA Fingerprinting
Step 3: Translation: the tRNA releases the amino acid into the correct place on the
polypeptide chain (many peptides).
Each protein is formed specifically to the genetic code of the organism that is stored on
the DNA in the nucleus of each [Link] change during this coding will result in a
mutation.
An Example of base triplet, codon and anticodon combinations:
Amino Acid Base triplet of DNA Codon of mRNA Anticodon of tRNA
Alanine CGA GCU CGA
Histidine GTC CAG GUC
Valine CAT GUA CAU
Serine AGA UCU AGA
(Remember that Uracil is present in all RNA and replaces the Thymine on the DNA.)
DNA fingerprinting:
All living organisms have DNA with the same basic chemical structure with the difference
being the order of the nitrogenous base sequences. A DNA profile is designed by using
DNA probes. A selection of DNA sequences within the DNA profile forms what is termed
the VNTR pattern for that individual. Forensic scientists are able to compare the DNA
profiles to a sample that is provided from a crime scene. DNA profiling is very accurate.
Sequencing of DNA:
A species is a group of organisms that are similar in appearance, share the same DNA
sequences, perform the same mating rituals and [Link] the DNA sequence
is altered genes mutate by accident. If the mutation is beneficial, it will become a fixed
mutation, be passed to the next generation resulting in new strains and species. If a
mutation is bad, it results in the death of the individual and is termed a lethal mutation.
When a mutation has no immediate effect on the individual it is termed a neutral mutation
and is passed on to the next generation. When the environment changes, the organism is
adapted to cope with the [Link] sequence of the DNA and the number of
chromosomes, provides evidence of relationships between groups of organisms. The DNA
sequencing of all mammals suggest phylogenic relationships.
X-ample Questions:
QUESTION 1:
(Taken from NSC Exemplar 2008 Life Science Paper 1 Question 3)
The following questions are based on protein synthesis.
1.1. Describe each of the following:
a) Transcription (see the definitions) (2)
b) Translation (see the definitions) (2)
1.2. The diagram below shows the sequence of nitrogenous bases of a strand of DNA that
codes for part of a protein molecule.
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Protein Synthesis and DNA Fingerprinting
GTT - ATG - TGG
Write down the mRNA codon sequence that reads from left to right from the DNA
sequence above. (3)
(Remember that this is the codon sequence and RNA contains Uracil)
1.3. The following diagram shows the anticodons of nine different tRNA molecules each
carrying a particular amino acid.
Select and write down
from the above diagram the amino acids (in the correct sequence) that would be required
for the base sequence of mRNA shown below: (The anticodon will be the complementary
base for the codon).
UUU - GUU - AUG
(3)
QUESTION 2:
(Taken from NSC Exemplar 2008 Life Science Paper 1 Question 3)
A woman was found stabbed to death in a hotel. The police found a fewstrands of hair in
one of her hands. There was also skin tissue under her longnails. Forensic scientists took
blood samples from three suspects to compile DNA fingerprints. DNA fingerprints were
also compiled from the victim's blood and the hair and skin tissue found in the victim's
hands. The following diagram shows the DNA fingerprints of the hair sample, the skin
tissue sample and blood from the victim and the three suspects.
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Protein Synthesis and DNA Fingerprinting
2.1. Did the DNA from the hair and skin tissue come from the same person? (1)
2.2. What conclusion can you make from QUESTION 2.1. about the possible number of
people involved in the murder? (2)
2.3. Which of the three suspects might have been involved in the murder? (1)
2.4. Give a reason for your answer to QUESTION 2.3. (1)
2.5. Do you think that the DNA evidence on its own is enough to convict a suspect? (1)
2.6. Give a reason for your answer to QUESTION 2.5. (2)
2.7. Explain whether the collection of DNA from every citizen in South Africa to create a
DNA fingerprint database is a good idea or not. (2)
X-ercise:
1. During protein synthesis the following steps take place in order:
A DNA unwinds, transcription by mRNA, anticodons produced by tRNA, amino
acids combine to form polypeptides.
B DNA unwinds, anticodons produced by mRNA, transcription by tRNA, amino
acids combine to form polypeptides
C DNA unwinds, transcription by mRNA, codons produced by tRNA, amino
acids combine to form polypeptides.
D DNA unwinds, transcription by mRNA, anticodons produced by tRNA, amino
acids are formed.
2. The monomers of proteins are:
A nucleotides
B triplets
C anticodons
D amino acids
3. In DNA fingerprinting, Scientists use a small number of sequences of DNA called:
A mtDNA
B tRNA
C VNTR pattern
D triplet bases
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Protein Synthesis and DNA Fingerprinting
4. Which of the following are uses of DNA fingerprinting?
1. matching paternity
2. identification of a body
3. detecting bacteria in pollutants
4. keeping criminals in jail
5. studying migration patterns
A 1, 2, 3, 5
B 1, 2, 3, 4
C 1, 2, 4, 5
D 2, 3, 4, 5
Answers to the X-ercise questions:
1. A
2. D
3. C
4. A
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