Genes to Proteins to Traits

What is the basic building block of proteins?

• Nucleotides

• Amino acids

• Fatty acids

• Sugars

Answer explanation

The basic building block of proteins is amino acids.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Hey there, budding scientists! Liam, Nora, and Jackson are curious about proteins. Can you help them figure out which of the following are functions of proteins in the human body? Select all that apply.

• Display the body's traits

• Assist with body growth and repair

• Provide pigment for photosynthesis

• Act as a primary energy source

Answer explanation

Proteins in the human body function to display the body's traits, assist with body growth and repair, and act as a primary energy source.

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NGSS.MS-LS3-1

What is a codon?

• A type of protein

• A mutation in DNA

• A sequence of three nucleotides in DNA

• A type of amino acid

Answer explanation

A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in DNA, which encodes for a specific amino acid during protein synthesis.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Imagine Avery, Mason, and Anika are in a science quiz! They're asked: Which of the following genetic mutations would likely have the least impact on the protein it codes for?

• A deletion of one nucleotide

• A substitution that results in a completely different codon

• A substitution that changes one amino acid to another similar amino acid

• An insertion of three nucleotides

Answer explanation

A substitution that changes one amino acid to another similar amino acid would likely have the least impact on the protein structure and function compared to other mutations listed.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Imagine Ava is studying genetics and stumbles upon a curious type of mutation called a 'silent mutation'. She wonders, how does a silent mutation affect a protein?

• Changes the shape of the protein

• Causes the protein to be shorter

• Has no effect on the protein

• Makes the protein non-functional

Answer explanation

A silent mutation has no effect on the protein, as it does not change the amino acid sequence or the resulting protein structure.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

How do inherited traits pass from parents to offspring?

• Through proteins

• Through cellular division

• Through DNA

• Through blood type

Answer explanation

Inherited traits pass from parents to offspring through DNA.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Imagine Sophia is studying genetic mutations and stumbles upon a deletion mutation affecting multiple codons. How might this impact a protein's function?

• No impact since other codons will compensate

• The protein may become non-functional or gain a new function

• The protein will be produced more quickly

• The mutation will be reversed naturally

Answer explanation

A deletion mutation affecting multiple codons can lead to a non-functional protein or a protein with a new function due to the change in the amino acid sequence.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Samuel is studying genetics and is curious about how the sequence of nucleotides in DNA determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein. Explain this process to him.

• By matching one nucleotide with 3 corresponding amino acids

• Through the formation of peptide bonds between nucleotides

• By determining the order of codons, which specify amino acids

• By directly synthesizing amino acids from DNA segments

Answer explanation

By determining the order of codons, which specify amino acids

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

James, a genetic researcher, is tasked to develop a model to show how mutations in the DNA sequence of a gene could lead to changes in the structure and function of a protein in a specific disease context.

• Illustrate different DNA mutations and their protein outcomes in the disease

• Create a chart showing DNA, RNA, and protein before and after mutation in the disease context

• Write a computer program to simulate mutations in the disease's genetic framework

• All of the above

Answer explanation

All of the above options are valid ways to develop a model showing how mutations in the DNA sequence of a gene could lead to changes in the structure and function of a protein.

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DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking

Imagine you're part of a groundbreaking study led by Evelyn, Michael, and Benjamin. Your mission? To uncover how different environments influence gene expression over decades. How would you design this long-term research project?

• Join Evelyn and her team in monitoring gene expression in individuals across various environments for the next 20 years.

• Assist Michael in conducting a one-time survey of gene expression across multiple environments.

• Work with Benjamin to analyze gene expression within strictly controlled laboratory settings.

• Explore non-genetic factors that influence traits, diverging from gene expression studies.

Answer explanation

Monitoring gene expression in individuals exposed to different environments over 20 years allows for a comprehensive evaluation of long-term impact, capturing changes over time.

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DOK Level 4: Extended Thinking