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Molecular Genetics
X-Men Genetic Mutations

Suppose that the base sequence below is found in a normal, non-mutant human and is from one side of a
DNA helix and codes for the formation of a protein.

T A C- C C G- G A T- G C T- C A C- G G G -A T T

1. Decode the strand of DNA into an mRNA, in other words complete transcription. Then use the codon
Chart to translate it into a sequence of amino acids. You may write the first three letters of each amino
acid with a dash between each.

mRNA:

Amino Acid:
2. Wolverine has a mutation that allows him to heal rapidly. Create his mutation by changing the original
piece of DNA above by replacing the 15th base, a C, to a T. Transcribe this new
DNA into mRNA and then translate into an amino acid sequence.

changed DNA:

mRNA:

amino acid sequence:

3. Storm has the ability to manipulate the weather. To decode her mutation, again
go back to the original DNA at the top of the page and remove the 10th base, then
transcribe and translate it.

changed DNA:

mRNA:

amino acid sequence:

4. Rogue’s powers allow her to steal the powers of other mutants. Her mutation
can be decoded by again going back to the original DNA at the top of the page
and change the 10th base from a G to an A and then transcribe and translate it.

Changed DNA:

mRNA:

amino acid sequence:

5. Finally, the villain Magneto can use magnetic fields to control metal objects. Again go back to the
original DNA at the top of the page and add an A between the 6th and 7th bases and then transcribe and
translate it to decode his mutation.

changed DNA:

mRNA:

amino acid sequence

Analysis: Answer with complete thoughts in complete sentences.

Identify the TYPE of gene mutation that occurred in 2,3,4, and 5. Explain why you chose each type of
gene mutation.

1.

2.

4.

5.

1. Is a point mutation always damaging? Provide evidence from this activity for your answer.

2. Is there any real difference in the effect of adding or deleting a base? Explain your answer.

3. What is the minimum number of base changes necessary to mutate a protein?

Provide evidence from this activity for your answer.