Smurf DNA Mutation and Mutagens

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Questions and Answers

Gargamel is testing mutagens to change Smurf DNA. What is the primary function of these mutagens?

  • To protect the Smurf DNA from damage.
  • To alter the nitrogen base sequence in the Smurf DNA. (correct)
  • To maintain the original protein production.
  • To replicate the existing DNA sequence accurately.

The original DNA sequence of the Smurf blue gene is GATTGATTCAAT. If Mutagen A causes a substitution mutation where the first 'A' is replaced with a 'C', what would the mutated sequence be?

  • CATTGATTCAAT (correct)
  • GATTGCTTCAAT
  • GCTTGATTCAAT
  • GATTGATTCAAC

Consider Mutagen B which results in the mutated DNA sequence TATTGATTCAAT. What type of mutation has occurred?

  • Substitution
  • Insertion (correct)
  • Duplication
  • Deletion

If Mutagen C inserts a 'G' after the tenth base in the sequence GATTGATTCAAT, how would this affect the resulting protein, and what type of mutation is this?

<p>It's a frameshift mutation; the protein sequence is significantly altered. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between DNA, mRNA, and protein synthesis in the context of the Smurf experiment?

<p>DNA is transcribed into mRNA, which is then translated into a sequence of amino acids forming a protein. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely outcome if a mutagen causes a significant change in the amino acid sequence of the blue pigment protein in Smurfs?

<p>The Smurf may change color, or the protein may become non-functional. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately explains how mutations can affect the traits of an individual?

<p>Mutations can alter the protein production, leading to changes in physical characteristics or functions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the experiment, why is it important to add the amino acid solution to the test tubes containing Smurf DNA and the mutagens?

<p>To provide the building blocks necessary for protein synthesis to occur. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of replication in the context of DNA and genetic information?

<p>Replication ensures the accurate transmission of genetic information from one generation to the next. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can the results of this Smurf DNA experiment be applied to understand the effects of mutagens in real-world scenarios, such as cancer development?

<p>It helps illustrate how exposure to mutagens can lead to DNA changes that cause uncontrolled cell growth. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a new mutagen, 'Mutagen D', causes a deletion of three consecutive bases in the Smurf's blue gene, what type of effect would this most likely have on the resulting protein?

<p>Only one amino acid in the protein sequence would be affected. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the claim-evidence-reasoning framework used in the Smurf experiment, what role does the 'reasoning' component play in the conclusion?

<p>Reasoning offers a logical connection between the evidence and the claim, incorporating relevant scientific concepts. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of the 'central dogma of molecular biology' relate to Gargamel’s plan to change the Smurfs’ color?

<p>It explains how DNA mutations can alter mRNA, which in turn affects protein synthesis and the Smurfs’ traits. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to wear safety goggles during the Smurf DNA experiment?

<p>To protect the eyes from potential splashes of mutagens or other solutions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could be a potential limitation of the Smurf DNA experiment in accurately predicting the effects of mutagens on living organisms?

<p>The experiment only examines DNA in a simplified test-tube environment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How might scientists use a similar experimental approach to the Smurf DNA experiment to study genetic diseases in humans?

<p>By modeling how specific mutations affect protein function in a controlled environment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of transfer RNA (tRNA) in protein synthesis, and how does it relate to the Smurf blue protein?

<p>tRNA transports amino acids to the ribosome, matching them to the mRNA codons to build the Smurf blue protein. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Smurf DNA experiment, what distinguishes a 'frameshift' mutation from a 'point' mutation?

<p>A frameshift mutation involves the insertion or deletion of bases, altering the reading frame, while a point mutation involves a substitution of a single base. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the ethical implications, how could the knowledge gained from the Smurf DNA experiment be misused, and what safeguards should be in place?

<p>The knowledge could be used to develop harmful genetic weapons; strict regulations and oversight are necessary. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Suppose Gargamel discovers a fourth mutagen, 'Mutagen D', that prevents mRNA from binding to ribosomes. How would this mutagen affect protein production in Smurfs?

<p>It would completely halt protein production by preventing translation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is a mutation?

A change in the nitrogen base sequence of DNA.

What is a mutagen?

A substance that causes mutations in DNA.

What is substitution mutation?

Replacement of one nitrogen base with another in a DNA sequence.

What is insertion mutation?

Addition of one or more nitrogen bases into a DNA sequence.

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What is deletion mutation?

Removal of one or more nitrogen bases from a DNA sequence.

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What is a gene?

A sequence of DNA that codes for a specific protein.

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What are proteins?

Molecules are assembled from amino acids, and carry out the functions within cells.

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What is transcription?

The process by which the genetic code in DNA is copied into RNA.

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What is translation?

The process by which the genetic code in mRNA is used to synthesize a protein.

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What is mRNA?

A single-stranded nucleic acid that carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes.

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Study Notes

  • Gargamel aims to eliminate the Smurfs by altering their DNA, thus changing their color via mutagens.
  • Smurfs are blue because of a gene with a specific DNA sequence: GATTGATTCAAT.
  • Gargamel tests three mutagens (A, B, C) to identify the most effective one.
  • Mutagens alter the nitrogen bases in DNA.

Research on Mutagens

  • Mutagens can cause different types of mutations in DNA sequences: substitution, insertion, or deletion.
  • Substitution involves replacing one nitrogen base with another.
  • Insertion involves adding one or more nitrogen bases.
  • Deletion involves removing one or more nitrogen bases.
  • Depending on the extent of change to the amino acid sequence, the protein may or may not be affected by the mutagen.

Prediction

  • Predict which mutagen will most effectively alter the blue protein, leading to the destruction of the Smurf civilization.

Procedure

  • Label three test tubes A, B, and C.
  • Add Smurf DNA to each test tube.
  • Add the corresponding mutagen to each test tube.
  • Add amino acid solution to each test tube and note color changes.

Data Collection

  • Record the type of mutation caused by each mutagen (substitution, insertion, or deletion).
  • Note the color of the protein after adding each mutagen.
  • Indicate whether each mutagen changes the protein produced.

Discussion Points

  • Explain the relationship between DNA and proteins.
  • Define what a mutagen does to DNA and provide an example from the lab.
  • Explain whether all mutations affect the protein produced and use data to support the answer.
  • Explain how mutations can affect an individual's traits.

Conclusion: Claim-Evidence-Reasoning

  • State which mutagen is most effective in changing the blue protein.
  • Provide data and observations from the experiment as evidence.
  • Use scientific concepts to logically connect the evidence to the claim.

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