DNA, genes, and protein
Thu, Oct 22, 2026 · Week 9 · Principles of Biomedical Technology (Principles of Biomedical Science)
Today's goal: Explain DNA structure and the path from gene to protein before the PLTW diagnosis task.
What a finished product looks like
This is a model of the work you should turn in today. Use it to check your own: match the structure and the level of detail, do not copy it. Your data and wording should be your own.
Pre-lab mutation plan:
- Original DNA template strand (read 3' to 5'): T A C A C C G A G
- mRNA transcribed (5' to 3'): A U G U G G C U C
- Amino acids (codon chart): Met (start) - Trp - Leu
- Planned change: I will swap the middle G of the second template codon, changing DNA ACC to ACA. That changes mRNA UGG to UGU.
- Predicted effect: UGU codes for Cysteine instead of Tryptophan, so I expect a missense mutation (one amino acid changes).
Variable I am changing: a single base in the second codon. Everything else stays the same.
| Step | Sequence |
|---|---|
| DNA template (3'-5') | TAC ACC GAG |
| mRNA (5'-3') | AUG UGG CUC |
| Amino acids | Met Trp Leu |
| Planned change | ACC to ACA, gives mRNA UGU (Cys) |
Also due today: Hand in the pre-lab sheet before leaving; needed for the modeling lab.
WebXam problem for today's skill
One exam-style question that uses exactly what you practiced today. Try it before you reveal the answer, then read why each choice is right or wrong.
Tap an answer to see the full explanation. Nothing is recorded or graded.