Question

You are asked to trace the effects of such a mutation from the level of nucleotide sequence all the way to cell function.

Part 1: Name and describe at least 2 varieties of mutations that occur at the single nucleotide level.

Part 2: Remember the Central Dogma? Be able to step through the effects of this type of mutation from changes in nucleotide sequence to changes in protein structure and function to changes in cell function (from DNA to RNA to protein).

Part 3: Following (b) above, given a mutation in a specific protein that we’ve talked about, for instance: cytochrome C, chlorophyll, or the proton pump, what would be the possible effects on cell function resulting from this specific mutation? Explain in detail.

Answer 1

Question

Part 1

Two varieties of mutation that occur at the single nucleotide level are:

I. Silent mutation

II. Point mutation

Part 2

Central dogma of molecular biology is flow of genetic information from DNA to proteins via mRNA. These mutation lead to the change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA that further change the protein coded by that gene.

Part 3

Function of cytochrome C: mutation would lead to non-synthesis of ATP. Cytochrome C is involved in the mitochondria as a supporting protein for the synthesis of ATP.

Function of chlorophyll: mutation will lead to non-capturing of sun-light and plants will not able to prepare their food. The chlorophyll pigment is present in the chloroplasts of leaf and able to capture specific wave length of light and convert light energy into chemical energy.

Function of proton pump: mutation will lead to no generation of proton gradient and it will not generate the ATP. The proton gradient is maintained across the inner and outer membrane of mitochondria and help to generate a potential that develop potential for ATP synthesis.