4.3.4 Gene Mutations Lab: Name __________________

Objective: To demonstrate how gene mutations affect the production of proteins.

Procedure:

1) Use the following base sequence of one strand of a DNA molecule

         AAT GTG AAC ACA TGC GGC

2) In the table below write the base sequence for an mRNA strand that would be transcribed from the given DNA sequence. (remember no Thymine in mRNA and use the complementary base pairing rules)

3) Use a codon chart from previous lessons to determine the sequence of amino acids in the resulting protein and write the order of amino acids in the table below.

4) Change the fourth base in the original DNA strand from G to C. Write the new mRNA strand in the table below.

5) Write the sequence of amino acids that are in the new protein in the table below.

6) Now add a G after the third base in the original strand. Write the sequence of the new mRNA in the table below.

7) Write the sequence of amino acids that are in the new protein in the table below.

1) How many amino acids were the same in the first mutation? How many were different?

2) How many amino acids were the same in the second mutation? How many were different?

3) Which mutation would have a larger effect on the organism? Why?