Grade 10 SCIENCE

3RD QUARTER
Learning Activity Sheet 2

PROTEIN SYNTHESIS AND MUTATIONS

I. INTRODUCTION
Essential amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Protein is a biomolecule that
comprises a large bulk of our cells and tissues.
However, a protein may be caused to change by mutation, becoming a puzzle for
science to explore.
II. LEARNING SKILLS FROM MELCs
a. Explain how protein is made using information from DNA. (S10LT-IIId-37)
b. Explain how mutations may cause changes in the structure and function of protein.
(S10LT-IIIe-38)

III. ACTIVITIES

Pre-test
Direction: Answer the following questions. Write the letter of the best answer on a
separate sheet of paper.
1. All of the following are functions of proteins EXCEPT _______.
a. Providing structural support
b. acts as a catalyst
c. provides energy for metabolism
d. transmitting chemical signals
2. Proteins are macromolecules made up of ________.
a. cells c. ascorbic acid
b. amino acids d. enzyme

3. Which one of the chemical substances is not in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

a. guanine c. adenine
b. cytosine d. thyroxine
4. What is the usual number of chromosomes in human?
a. 48 c. 47
b. 46 d. 50
5. Hemoglobin in the blood is an example of a __________.
a. globular protein c. fibrous protein
b. derived protein d. simple protein
6. Protein synthesis leads to a number of chemical reactions, summarized in two
steps called
a. relation and transfer
b. transcription and translation
c. translation and transcription
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 d. transfer and concentration

7. Mutation can be defined as _________.

a. change especially genetic
b. usual composition of matter
c. good or bad changes in cells
8. DNA stands for ______.
a. dihydroxylribonucleus actin
b. deonuclear acid
c. dihybrid natural amplification
d. deoxyribonucleic acid
9. In humans, mutations can be the result of _______.
a. racial discrimination
b. political intervention
c. x-ray exposure
d. migration pattern
10. There are three different types of RNA, and they are ______.
a. bRNA, tRNA, and mRNA
b. mRNA, rRNA, and tRNA
c. cRNA, mRNA, and rRNA
d. dRNA, DNA, and tRNA

PROTEINS, DNA, GENES, and CHROMOSOMES

Humans and most other organisms are made up of DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid.
It is a molecule that contains the hereditary biological instructions to build and maintain an
organism. DNA belong to a type of molecules called nucleic acids, as seen in its name.
Nucleic acids are long chains of nucleotides.

Each nucleotides consists of:

a. a nitrogenous base –
cytosine (C),
guanine (G),
adenine (A), and
thymine (T)

b. a five carbon sugar molecule –

deoxyribose

c. a phosphate molecule

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Nitrogenous bases are molecules that contain nitrogen and have the chemical properties of
a base.

From the picture below, we can see the nitrogenous bases (C, G, A, and T); the sugar
molecule deoxyribose denoted as S; and the phosphate molecule denoted as P. The
backbone of the nucleotide chain (called a polynucleotide) are the sugar and phosphate
molecules. Each sugar group is then linked to one of the four nitrogenous bases.

Inside the cell is the nucleus, which is its control

center. Inside the nucleus are chromosomes,
thread-like structures made up of DNA coiled around
proteins called histones. Genes are sequences of
DNA that code for molecule that has a function.
Sometimes, genes code (act as instructions) to
make proteins.
Differences between
chromosomes, genes, and DNA

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Proteins are large, highly complex molecules made in the ribosome and contain carbon,
hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, and sometimes sulphur. Proteins are present in all living
things.

Proteins are essential to the human body as it plays many important roles, determining the
structure and function of all cells.

There are two different types of proteins according to structure:

a. Fibrous – these have an elongated shape, and usually for structure and support.
They form molecules, bones, tendons, and connective tissue. Water insoluble, examples
include collagen and keratin.

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 b. Globular – these have a spherical shape, and have many functions like
regulations, transport, and serve as catalysts. Water-soluble, examples include enzymes,
antibodies, and hemoglobin.

Proteins are made up of organic compounds called amino acids, and different proteins are
made by forming combinations from any f the 20 amino acids. A chain of amino acids is
linked together by peptide bonds (chemical bonds formed between two molecules) and is
called a polypeptide. One or more of these polypeptides make up a protein. Amino acids
and proteins are the building blocks of life.

Now as previously mentioned, DNA are inside chromosomes, which are located in the
nucleus of the cell. Proteins on the other hand, are made in the ribosomes in a process
called protein synthesis. Ribosomes are located outside of the nucleus. How can protein
synthesis happen when the instructions for it are found inside the nucleus?

PROTEIN SYNTHESIS
Protein synthesis has two steps: (1) Transcription and (2) translation

TRANSCRIPTION

Having two strands render DNA too large to fit through the pores of the nuclear membrane.
The nuclear membrane encloses the nucleus, protecting and separating chromosomes from
the rest of the cell. It is full of pores through which materials can pass through.
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RNA or ribonucleic acids, another nucleic
acid and also made up of nucleotides, can
leave the nucleus as it is only a single strand
and can squeeze through the nuclear
membrane’s pores. RNA is different from DNA
in that its sugar molecule is ribose, and it
contains the nitrogen base uracil (U) instead of
thymine.

Now earlier, we saw the structure of the DNA –

it is a double-stranded helix, meaning that it is
composed of two polynucleotides twisted
around each other.

DNA can store and transmit information because of its double helix, structure. The genetic
information in DNA is transmitted or copied into the RNA. This process is called
transcription. How does this happen?

- A part of the DNA is temporarily unzipped by an enzyme (proteins that speed up

chemical reactions in cells) called RNA polymerase. The RNA polymerase unzips the
DNA by breaking the hydrogen bonds that hold the two strands together.

- This exposes the nitrogenous bases on each DNA strand. Only one strand is copied,
and this serves as a template to assemble complementary nucleotides into
messenger RNA or mRNA. The DNA code determines the order the nitrogenous
bases are copied to the mRNA.

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 - Essentially, mRNA copies and carries the instructions from the DNA in the nucleus to
the ribosome.

Activity 1:

Directions: Decode the DNA coding strand and fill in their corresponding DNA template and
mRNA chains. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper. A sample is given below.

DNA coding strand: TAC - ATG - CGG - ATT - ACT - GTA

DNA template strand: ATG - TAC - GCC - TAA - TGA - CAT

mRNA: UAC - AUG - CGG - AUU - ACU - GUA

1. DNA coding strand: CCC - TCA - ATC - GAG - AAA - GGT

DNA template strand

mRNA:

2. DNA coding strand: ATG - GCC - TGG - ACT - TCA - GGT

DNA template strand

mRNA:

3. DNA coding strand: GGG - TGA - GCT - TTC - CCG - TTA

DNA template strand

mRNA:

4. DNA coding strand: TAC - TAT - GCC - TTA - ACC - CAT

DNA template strand

mRNA:

5. DNA coding strand: TAC - ACC - CTT - ATC - GGG - CTA

DNA template strand

mRNA:

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TRANSLATION

-
- The mRNA goes to the ribosome, and the ribosome reads the code in the mRNA to
produce an amino acid chain.

- Remember, there are 20 amino acids. They are gathered and carried to the ribosome
by another type of RNA called Transfer RNA or tRNA.

- The ribosome reads the mRNA three nucleotides at a time. These trio is called a
codon. Each codon is read by an anticodon, the complementary sequence to the
codon trio. The anticodon allows the tRNA to deliver the corresponding amino acid,
adding into the chain. A third kind of RNA, called Ribosomal RNA or rRNA ensures
that the mRNA, tRNA, and the ribosomes are properly aligned for protein synthesis. It
helps translate the information in the mRNA into protein. So three nucleotides (codon)
= one amino acid.

- Essentially, the ribosome translated the code in the mRNA in order to make an amino
acid chain. And like we learned earlier, proteins are amino acid chains! Protein has
now been made.

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Activity 2
Directions: using the codon chart, find the amino acid or peptide chain that corresponds to
the mRNA from activity 1. Use a separate piece of paper for your answers. An example is
provided below.

DNA coding strand: TAC - ATG - CGG - ATT - ACT - GTA

DNA template strand: ATG - TAC - GCC - TAA - TGA - CAT

mRNA: UAC - AUG - CGG - AUU - ACU - GUA

Peptide Chain: Tyrosine, Methionine, Arginine, Isoleucine, Threonine, Valine

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 1. DNA coding strand CCC TCA ATC GAG AAA GGT

DNA template strand

mRNA:

Peptide chain:
2. DNA coding strand ATG GCC TGG ACT TCA GGT

DNA template strand

mRNA:

Peptide chain:
3. DNA coding strand GGG TGA GCT TTC CCG TTA

DNA template strand

mRNA:

Peptide chain:
4. DNA coding strand TAC TAT GCC TTA ACC CAT

DNA template strand

mRNA:

Peptide chain:
5. DNA coding strand TAC ACC GTT ATC GGG CTA

DNA template strand

mRNA:

Peptide chain:

CHROMOSOMES

Humans have 46 chromosomes, or 23 pairs. They are paired as one comes from the father
(through the sperm cell), and the other comes from the mother (through the egg cell).

The first 22 pairs are called autosomes, and the 23rd pair are the sex chromosomes.

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The XX chromosomes represent females, while the XY chromosomes represent males.

Activity 3.

Directions: Below are karyotypes, or photographs of chromosomes. Use them as guides to

answer the questions that follow. Write your answers on a separate piece of paper.

1. What number pair are sex chromosomes? _________________

2. What is the sex of this individual?____________

3. Does the person have the usual amount of human chromosomes? Why or why not?

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__________________________________.

4. What makes this individual’s karyotype different? ___________________

5. Chromosomes pair 1-22 are called __________.

MUTATIONS

Did you notice anything different from the second karyotype in the previous activity?

Mutations are changes or alterations in DNA sequences. They usually manifest on our
physical characteristics.

We all have or experience mutations. There are two types of mutations based on causes:

a. Hereditary/Germline mutations – these are inherited from parents, like color blindness.
They are present in almost all the cells (including the germ cells or reproductive cells) in
bodies because they are inherited.

b. Acquired/ Somatic mutations –these occur usually because of lifestyle or environmental

factors like exposure to chemicals or diseases. These can also occur due to errors during
cell division. Acquired mutations in somatic cells are inherited.

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CHROMOSOMAL MUTATIONS

The second karyotype from the previous activity features a chromosomal mutation, or
changes in the chromosome structure.

Chromosomal mutations occur due to errors in cell division, especially in the crossing over
part during meiosis I. chromosomal mutations affect large portions of the DNA strand, and
can happen in both the autosomal and sex chromosomes. The mutations can manifest in a
range of physical and developmental problems.

These are the different types of chromosomal mutations:

1. Duplication – an extra copy or a gene is repeated. An example is Pallister Killian

syndrome, where there is an extra chromosome 12.

2. Inversion – a segment is broken off and inverted. An example is Hemophilia A, a genetic

disorder in which the blood does not clot properly, is caused by inversion in the X
chromosome.

3. Deletion – a segment is lost. An example is Cri-du-chat syndrome, where a part of

chromosome 5p is deleted. Cri-du-chat syndrome is a rare genetic disorder. Symptoms vary
greatly, but common characteristics include a high-pitched cat-like cry, slow growth, and
microcephaly, or small head size.

4. Insertion – extra pairs are inserted into a new place. An example is extra nucleotides are
inserted into a DNA sequence, causing spontaneous mutations or mutation that result from
natural changes in the DNA structure.

5. Translocation – part of one chromosome attaches to another chromosome. An example

is chronic myeloid leukemia or CML, a result of translocation between chromosomes 9 and
22. CML is an uncommon type of cancer of the bone marrow.
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Point Mutations

These mutations occur in a

change in a single nucleotide.
These can include deletions,
insertions, or substitutions of
one nucleotide in a gene. A
codon change is an example,
like UCU changing to UAU.
Another example is sickle cell
disease, which is a result of one
nucleotide substitution.

Frameshift Mutations

DNA is divided into codons (or a

trio nucleotide). A deletion or
insertion of one or more
nucleotides will change the reading
frame of the coding strand or how
codons are read. For example, a U
nucleotide was added after the first
codon, throwing off a codon
sequence: ACG-UAC- CCA-CAG-
U.

EFFECTS OF MUTATION

Most mutations are neutral or silent, having neither positive nor negative effects on
organisms. But some mutations can be beneficial – new proteins can be made, new
adaptations to an environment can develop. These are a plus for survival, reproduction, and
evolution. They can increase genetic variation.

Some examples of beneficial mutations include:

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 a. Mutations in human physiology like trichromatic vision, which causes us to discriminate
among the three colors, red, blue, and green. And increased bone density, wit research on
this being used as basis for skeletal disease therapy

b. Mutations in proteins that led to resistance to some diseases, like malaria, HIV, and heart
disease. Research on this proteins are used to help treat or cure diseases.

But mutation can also have adverse effects, causing genetic disorders
and other diseases.

a. Genetic disorders – caused by mutations in one or more genes. An example is cystic

fibrosis, a disease caused by mutation in a single gene that causes the body to produce thick
mucus that affects the lungs and digestive system.

b. Diseases like cancer – cancer cells are cells that grew out of control, forming tumors that
destroy healthy cells around the tumor. Cancer cells can also cause an excess of abnormal
cells in the blood, like in leukemia, where there are high numbers of abnormal white blood
cells that are not able to fight infection, also weakening the bone marrow’s ability to produce
red blood cells and platelets. These are usually caused by mutations in the genes that
control the cell cycle.

POST – TEST

Directions: Complete the following statements. Write your answers on a separate sheet of
paper.

1. Most of the tissues in our body are made up of __________.

a. carbohydrates c. proteins
b. starch d. mineral/vitamin
2. The sun can also cause mutation in humans due to __________.
a. UV radiation c. sun spot
b. solar eclipse d. corona virus
3. Proteins that help promote muscle growth and mass belong to the following protein type.
a. derived c. simple
b. conjugated d. fibrous
4. When sex cells carry a pair of X chromosomes, we know the person is born ________.
a. male c. calico
b. female d. cannot be determined
5. Amino acids are organic compounds that contain the following elements EXCEPT_____.
a. helium c. carbon
b. nitrogen d. hydrogen
6-10. Describe the transcription and translation stages of protein synthesis in five sentences.

Answer Key
PRE-TEST

1. c 2. B 3. D 4. B 15 5. A

6. b 7. C 8. D 9. C 10. B
 1. DNA coding strand: CCC - TCA - ATC - GAG - AAA -
GGT
DNA template GGG – AGT – TAG – CTC – TTT - CCA
strand
mRNA: CCC – UCA – AUC – GAG – AAA - GGU
2. DNA coding strand: ATG - GCC - TGG - ACT - TCA -
GGT
DNA template TAC – CGG – ACC – TGA – AGT - CCA
strand
mRNA: AUG – GCC – UGG – ACU – UCA - GGU
3. DNA coding strand: GGG - TGA - GCT - TTC - CCG -
TTA
DNA template CCC – ACT – CGA – AAG – GGC - AAT
strand
mRNA: GGG – UGA – GCU – UUC – CCG - UUA
4. DNA coding strand: TAC - TAT - GCC - TTA - ACC -
CAT
DNA template ATG – ATA – CGG – AAT – TGG - GTA
ACTIVITY 2
ACTIVITY 1
1. DNA coding strand CCC TCA ATC GAG AAA GGT
DNA template strand GGG AGT TAG CTC TTT CCA
mRNA: CCC UCA AUC GAG AAA GGU
Peptide chain: Proline, Serine, Isoleucine, Glutamic Acid, Lysine,
Glycine
2. DNA coding strand ATG GCC TGG ACT TCA GGT
DNA template strand TAC CGG ACC TGA AGT CCA
mRNA: AUG GCC UGG ACU UCA GGU
Peptide chain: Methionine, Alanine, Tryptophan, Threonine, Glycine
3. DNA coding strand GGG TGA GCT TTC CCG TTA
DNA template strand CCC ACT CGA AAG GGC AAT
mRNA: GGG UGA GCU UUC CCG UUA
Peptide chain: Glycine, Stop, Alanine, Phenylalanine, Proline,
Leucine
4. DNA coding strand TAC TAT GCC TTA ACC CAT
DNA template strand ATG ATA CGG AAT TGG GTA
mRNA: UAC UAU GCC UUA ACC CAU
Peptide chain: Tyrosine. Tyrosine, Alanine, Leucine, Threonine,
Histidine
5. DNA coding strand TAC ACC GTT ATC GGG CTA
DNA template strand ATG TGG CAA TAG CCC GAT
mRNA: UAC ACC GUU AUC GGG CUA
Peptide chain: Tyrosine, Threonine, Valine, Isoleucine, Glycine,
Leucine

POST – TEST ACTIVITY 3

1. c
1. The 23rd pair
2. a
3. d 2. Male
4. b
5. a 3. Has the normal amount of chromosomes as the
6-10. Answers may vary, but may use sample all 46 chromosomes or 23 pairs
module as reference 4. Is16
missing a sex chromosome

5. Autosomes