For this project, we had to research a protein and describe the steps it took from a DNA sequence to a protein. These steps are known as protein synthesis. Along with this we had to make a 3D model of our protein and find it's DNA sequence. The step by step process of protein synthesis, where in the cell it happens, and any necessary cell organelles were all requirements for this project. My group and I chose the protein Keratin, which is a tough, fiberous protein found in your skin.
Concepts
Central Dogma: The flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein. Protein Synthesis: The process where cells generate new proteins. Transcription: The first step in protein synthesis.
RNA polymerase splits DNA in half
pre-RNA attaches to one half of DNA
DNA encodes pre-RNA with necessary info.
pre-RNA becomes mRNA
mRNA detaches from DNA half and moves out of nucleus and into cytoplasm
Translation: The second step in protein synthesis.
mRNA moves out of nucleus and into the cytoplasm.
mRNA attaches to a ribosome.
tRNA brings an amino acid
tRNA links to mRNA.
tRNA brings in another amino acid according to mRNA codon.
The amino acids combine.
The first tRNA moves into the cytoplasm to collect another amino acid
The ribosome moves along the mRNA, which exposes the next codon
tRNA brings in another amino acid and extends the protein chain
The process continues as the ribosome moves along mRNA exposing the next codon
Continues until all the needed amino acids are present
Finally the ribosome and mRNA separates
A polypeptide chain has been formed
DNA: It carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning and reproduction of humans and other organisms. It is found in the nucleus. RNA: A nucleic acid.
Ribosomes: Bind messenger RNA and transfer RNA to synthesize polypeptides and proteins. Amino Acids: The building blocks of protein. Nucleus: The "brain" of a cell. Cytoplasm: The material within a cell.
Reflection
This was not my favortie project. I felt as though things weren't thoroughly explained and the expectaions were not clear. My group worked together well, though we lacked communication. We each did our own thing and did not communicate on what we were doing. One problem for me was that I lacked leadership. I did not tell people what they could work on and did not suggest many of my ideas outloud. I can fix this by being more open and suggesting things for everyone to work on. One peak for me was that I was very efficient and got many things in the project completed. Another peak of the project was that we completed it in time and organized our time well.