What we Did
This project was all about how DNA becomes a functioning protein. For this project, each group got to choose a specific gene and track step by step how it coded from DNA to a protein. After each group has chosen what to track, they are given the task of creating a presentation explaining their findings. (Making a poster, slideshow, video presentation, etc) My group for this project was Rebecca, Alex, and Augi. We chose to track Myosin. Myosin goes from a DNA sequence to a functioning protein through a very complex process called protein synthesis. A simplified version of this process is that a DNA strand replicates itself, and through transcription, where it is transcribed into mRNA using enzymes and occuring in the nucleus, the mRNA goes through translation, where it combines with the tRNA in the ribosome and the amino acids come out. The chain of amino acids that comes out and moves to the endoplasmic reticulum, and then folds into a protein. This is dictated by the amino acid coding., which is similar to DNA or genetic coding.
Content
Central Dogma- how a protein goes through synthesis to become a gene
We used central dogma to describe how the protein went through synthesis both on the test and on the poster
DNA- deoxyribonucleic acid, a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes. It is the carrier of genetic information.
DNA played a crucial role because it is the starting point on how all live is started and continued. We used it in our protein synthesis project.
RNA- ribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid present in all living cells
RNA is important because it combined with the DNA during transcription to form the mRNA.
mRNA- messenger RNA, carries a portion of the DNA code to other parts of the cell for processing
The mRNA was that combined with the tRNA to make the amino acids.
tRNA- transfer RNA, carries amino acids to the ribosome for polymerization into a polypeptide
Combined with the mRNA to make up the amino acids.
Protein- a chain made up of amino acids
The protein was crucial to the idea of synthesis and replication and the creation of amino acids.
Gene- something transferred from parent to offspring, travels through DNA, or the genetic information
Genes played a part in the replication of DNA to start the protein synthesis.
We used central dogma to describe how the protein went through synthesis both on the test and on the poster
DNA- deoxyribonucleic acid, a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes. It is the carrier of genetic information.
DNA played a crucial role because it is the starting point on how all live is started and continued. We used it in our protein synthesis project.
RNA- ribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid present in all living cells
RNA is important because it combined with the DNA during transcription to form the mRNA.
mRNA- messenger RNA, carries a portion of the DNA code to other parts of the cell for processing
The mRNA was that combined with the tRNA to make the amino acids.
tRNA- transfer RNA, carries amino acids to the ribosome for polymerization into a polypeptide
Combined with the mRNA to make up the amino acids.
Protein- a chain made up of amino acids
The protein was crucial to the idea of synthesis and replication and the creation of amino acids.
Gene- something transferred from parent to offspring, travels through DNA, or the genetic information
Genes played a part in the replication of DNA to start the protein synthesis.
Reflection
This project was quick and simple but very educational and helpful in developing my understanding of Protein synthesis. One thing I found very helpful during this project was how straight forward the instructions were. This helped me focus more on learning the concepts rather than spend a ton of time trying to complete a confusing project. Another thing I liked about this project was how easily my group members and I worked together. My group members were very cooperative and easy-going. For example, if I asked one of them to help me figure something out or add to the poster, they would happily agree. This helped us build a friendly group dynamic and made the project a lot more fun. Something that I thought that I personally did well on was staying on task and focused. During the work periods I stayed with my own group and worked on the project and rarely got distracted. One thing our group could have done better was planning. Our presenation looked great on the poser, but when we actually had to present it(orally) it wasn't as smooth or well planned out as it could have been. Another thing that could have gone better was that the topic was a little confusing anf very complicated, so at times it got frustrating constantly having to go back and review, Despite these issues, however, I felt that this project was very successful.