Transcript Biology 105

Biology 105
Chapter 13: Gene Expression
Pages 282-306
Student Outcomes

Compare the structures of DNA and
RNA

Explain why the genetic code is
redundant and universal.

Explain the process of protein
synthesis
Student Outcomes

Explain how mutations occur

Describe several genetic disorders
Gene Expression

Series of steps where DNA specifies
the makeup of the cell’s proteins.

One-gene, one-enzyme: DNA (genes)
code for one enzyme or one protein.

Proposed in 1940’s by Beadle and
Tatum
RNA – ribonucleic acid
The link between DNA and protein
synthesis
Usually single stranded
Has Uracil instead of Thymine (still pairs
with adenine)
DNA is copied to RNA - Transcription
Types of RNA
Messenger RNA (mRNA) – carries specific info
for making a protein
Transfer RNA (tRNA) – bonds with only one
specific amino acid and carries it to the
ribosome
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) – part of the structure
of ribosomes and catalyzes functions during
protein synthesis
Genetic Code

Series of 3 nucleotides (AUG) that
code for an amino acid. AUG is termed
a codon

mRNA has the anticodon (UAC) to bind
with AUG

Universal in almost all organisms
Transcription

RNA is synthesized by DNA-dependent RNA
polymerases

Primer is not needed

RNA polymerase recognizes the Promotor and
Initiates transcription

New RNA strand is complete after reaching a stop
signal (UAA, UAG, UGA)
Transcription/Translation

Has 3 stages
– Initiation
– Elongation
– Termination
Translation
Occurs in the cytosol
Changing of RNA nucleotide code into
amino acids.
Protein Synthesis



Initiation- start of the protein
Elongation-adding of nucleotides (amino
acids)
Termination-end of the protein
DNA Technology

Gene Therapy- the use of specific DNA
to treat a genetic disease by correcting
the genetic problem.
– Insulin - genetically altered bacteria
produces the human hormone
– Transgenic ‘pharm’ cows - cows that
contain a human gene that codes for
lactoferrin-protein in mothers’ milk that aid
in immune response
GMO’s

Genetically Modified Organisms. Can
be any type of organism. Concern is
for edible and for ‘incorporating into the
wild (normal) strain.
Round up Ready seeds
Salmon Fish
Round up Ready


Developed by Monsanto
Post emergence herbicide. Kills all
once germinated.
– Glyphosate (RoundUp) mimics glycine
and binds to the active site of EPSP
synthase a critical enzyme. Plant cannot
synthesize necessary amino acids.
Salmon

Developed in 2010 for market but then
sat in the court room for 1 year.
– Worries about getting into the wild pop.
– New strains have a sterile gene also
inserted. Approved for markets in late
2011
Bt

European Corn Borer
– Dipel - natural insecticide. Dipel is a
powder of freeze dried bacteria which
produce a protein that is toxic to
Lepidopteran insects. The larvae
consume the Dipel and die.
– Bt gene (cry) found in bacteria is now
inserted into plants (corn, cotton,
potatoes)
GMO’s

Golden Rice
– Rice with 2 daffodil genes and 1 bacterial
gene
– Production of beta carotene (provitamin
A)
Microarrays

Using gene tagging to locate where
the gene is to make a protein

Provide insight into patterns of gene
expression.
Proteomics


Study of the proteins coded for by your
genes.
Why study???
– 20,000 genes = 100,000 mRNA’s =
1,000,000 proteins.
Gene Expression

Factors that impact gene expression
– Gender, diet, temperature, oxygen levels,
humidity, light cycles, presence of mutagens all
impact phenotype.
– For studies of gene expression, researches must
control all these variables to establish
parameters.
– Microarrays can provide testing on variety of
variables
Gene Expression Example

Emys orbicularis - Freshwater Turtle
– At a specific point of development TSP(thermosensitive period), gonadal tissue is
responsive to temperature. At 25 deg. C
all turtles form males, at 30 deg. C all
become females. This is controlled by the
Sox9 gene.
– Higher temps=higher expression of Sox9
gene
Human example

Data supports low dose aspirin daily for
heart health. Colorectal cancer is also
prevented if the patient has an allele
for the gene UGT1A6 which is involved
in aspirin metabolism. Slow aspirin
metabolism = cancer protection.

The actual mechanism is unknown