In this lab, we were tasked to research certain diseases and how protein synthesis affects it. Our group chose Parkinson's Disease and we placed our research on the presentation below. We talked about protein synthesis (translation and transition), symptoms, other disease related facts, and the different codes (DNA, RNA, and Amino Acid). We were able to organize our work using a gantt chart.
Content:
Proteins-any of a class of nitrogenous organic compounds that consist of large molecules composed of one or more long chains of amino acids and are an essential part of all living organisms. It relates to our project because proteins are created from protein synthesis.
Nucleus-a dense organelle present in most eukaryotic cells, typically a single rounded structure bounded by a double membrane, containing the genetic material. The nucleus is where transcript starts (mRNA from a DNA in the nucleus).
Misfolding-to fold into an incorrect three-dimensional shape that is typically nonfunctional and often resistant to breakdown. Causes the brain to develop spongelike holes. Misfolding relates to causing diseases.
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. In our project, the unzipping of DNA is how protein synthesis starts.
Protein Synthesis-the process whereby biological cells generate new proteins; it is balanced by the loss of cellular proteins via degradation or export. Protein synthesis relates to our project because parkinson's is caused by protein aggregation in the brain.
-transcription-the information in a strand of DNA is copied into a new molecule of messenger RNA (mRNA). DNA safely and stably stores genetic material in the nuclei of cells as a template (explained in detail on presentation). First part of protein synthesis.
- translation-translating the sequence of a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule to a sequence of amino acids during protein synthesis. The genetic code describes the relationship between the sequence of base pairs in a gene and the corresponding amino acid sequence that it encodes. The second part of protein synthesis.
- RNA polymerase- an enzyme that is responsible for making RNA from a DNA template. In all cells RNA polymerase is needed for constructing RNA chains from a DNA template (explained in detail on presentation). A step in transcription.
- mRNA- messenger RNA. Carries a portion of the DNA code to other parts of the cell for processing. It is created during transcription.
- Codon-a sequence of three nucleotides that together form a unit of genetic code in a DNA or RNA molecule. It attaches to the mRNA and carries the amino acids in protein synthesis.
-anticodon-a sequence of three nucleotides forming a unit of genetic code in a transfer RNA molecule, corresponding to a complementary codon in messenger RNA. Same as codon.
-ribosome-a small particle that consists of RNA and other proteins. It is found in large groups in the cytoplasm of living cells. They bind mRNA and transfer RNA to synthesize polypeptides and proteins. Important to protein synthesis.
-amino acid-A simple organic compound both a carboxyl and an amino. They attach to the anticodons and go through the protein synthesis steps.
-tRNA-Transfer RNA. They carry amino acids to the ribosome to be polymerized into a polypeptide. a carrier in protein synthesis.
-Polypeptide chain-A single chain of many amino acids, held together by amino bonds. They are folded to make a protein.
-folding-A protein folds into a specific three-dimensional shape. The polypeptide chain folds by going into alpha-helixs and beta-sheets. Afterwards domains then protein.
Nucleus-a dense organelle present in most eukaryotic cells, typically a single rounded structure bounded by a double membrane, containing the genetic material. The nucleus is where transcript starts (mRNA from a DNA in the nucleus).
Misfolding-to fold into an incorrect three-dimensional shape that is typically nonfunctional and often resistant to breakdown. Causes the brain to develop spongelike holes. Misfolding relates to causing diseases.
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. In our project, the unzipping of DNA is how protein synthesis starts.
Protein Synthesis-the process whereby biological cells generate new proteins; it is balanced by the loss of cellular proteins via degradation or export. Protein synthesis relates to our project because parkinson's is caused by protein aggregation in the brain.
-transcription-the information in a strand of DNA is copied into a new molecule of messenger RNA (mRNA). DNA safely and stably stores genetic material in the nuclei of cells as a template (explained in detail on presentation). First part of protein synthesis.
- translation-translating the sequence of a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule to a sequence of amino acids during protein synthesis. The genetic code describes the relationship between the sequence of base pairs in a gene and the corresponding amino acid sequence that it encodes. The second part of protein synthesis.
- RNA polymerase- an enzyme that is responsible for making RNA from a DNA template. In all cells RNA polymerase is needed for constructing RNA chains from a DNA template (explained in detail on presentation). A step in transcription.
- mRNA- messenger RNA. Carries a portion of the DNA code to other parts of the cell for processing. It is created during transcription.
- Codon-a sequence of three nucleotides that together form a unit of genetic code in a DNA or RNA molecule. It attaches to the mRNA and carries the amino acids in protein synthesis.
-anticodon-a sequence of three nucleotides forming a unit of genetic code in a transfer RNA molecule, corresponding to a complementary codon in messenger RNA. Same as codon.
-ribosome-a small particle that consists of RNA and other proteins. It is found in large groups in the cytoplasm of living cells. They bind mRNA and transfer RNA to synthesize polypeptides and proteins. Important to protein synthesis.
-amino acid-A simple organic compound both a carboxyl and an amino. They attach to the anticodons and go through the protein synthesis steps.
-tRNA-Transfer RNA. They carry amino acids to the ribosome to be polymerized into a polypeptide. a carrier in protein synthesis.
-Polypeptide chain-A single chain of many amino acids, held together by amino bonds. They are folded to make a protein.
-folding-A protein folds into a specific three-dimensional shape. The polypeptide chain folds by going into alpha-helixs and beta-sheets. Afterwards domains then protein.
Gantt Chart:
Gantt charts help to organize information and create a timeline for work. This project was the first time we used a Gantt chart, and it helped keep track off all the different parts of the project.
Reflection:
Throughout this project, I learned a lot about organization and different ways to learn information. Because we were studying such a difficult subject, we had to learn the information in different ways. We read from the book, did activities, handouts, and videos. For me personally, videos were the most efficient way to learn.
Therefore, one thing I thought went really well in this project was effort. My group especially put a lot of effort in to understand every piece of information in many different ways. I think this is a very important life skill. Another thing we did really well was helping each other. In group work, it is really important that everyone contributes and understands all parts of the project. My group was very helpful to not only other group members, but to other groups too.
One thing I could have done better would be work ethic. Working on one thing for long periods of time made it hard to stay concentrated, but in the future, I need to make sure to be on task at all times. Another area I can work on is remembering to use the Gantt chart more often. Although we looked at it everyday, I felt we didn't use it to its full potential to keep us on schedule the whole time.
Overall, I really enjoyed this project and I personally feel working in groups we pick can actually encourage good work more. This might not be the case for all groups, but for me it was.
Therefore, one thing I thought went really well in this project was effort. My group especially put a lot of effort in to understand every piece of information in many different ways. I think this is a very important life skill. Another thing we did really well was helping each other. In group work, it is really important that everyone contributes and understands all parts of the project. My group was very helpful to not only other group members, but to other groups too.
One thing I could have done better would be work ethic. Working on one thing for long periods of time made it hard to stay concentrated, but in the future, I need to make sure to be on task at all times. Another area I can work on is remembering to use the Gantt chart more often. Although we looked at it everyday, I felt we didn't use it to its full potential to keep us on schedule the whole time.
Overall, I really enjoyed this project and I personally feel working in groups we pick can actually encourage good work more. This might not be the case for all groups, but for me it was.