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Name ___________________________ Teacher_________________________ Date ____________________________
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1. The model below represents a protein surrounded by water molecules. It curls into a ball like this.
Notice that each white circle represents an amino acid Glycine. Why do you think the protein folds this way?
Scientists substituted the first amino in the chain with another one. Look what happened to the protein (below).
Why do you think this single replacement of an amino acid affected the protein chain the way it did?
How do you think it will change the shape of this protein if the same amino acid would be placed on the other end of the protein chain? Explain your prediction.
2. Summarize how the insertion of a different nucleotide in a DNA sequence might change the structure of a protein.
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| 3. There is a
dangerous human disease, called Cystic Fibrosis, that affects
various organs, making hard to breath and often shotens peoples'
lifespans. It is also known that Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited
disease , one that is found within relations. Trying to uncover the cause of the disease , and searching for cure, scientists noticed that all sick people have very salty, chloride -filled sweat. Further studies allowed scientists to isolate from the skin a special protein that work just like little control valve regulating how much chloride goes out with we sweat. Sick people were found missing that protein valve. Because it was misshapen, it never even made it into its position. It was the first piece of the puzzle. Imagine yourself being with the team uncovering the mystery of cystic fibrosis. What would you do next trying to connect an inherited disease that travel within the family and the broken salt valve made of protein. Where would you look next? What would be a real cure? |