Discuss the implications of changes in DNA nucleotide sequence for cell structure and function in Sickle Cell Anemia and Phenylketonuria.

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Sumaya Desai (Lower Science IV)

Biology Homework Assignment

Essay Question:

Discuss the implications of changes in DNA nucleotide sequence for cell structure and function in Sickle Cell Anemia and Phenylketonuria.

Answer:

The Deoxyribonucleic acid molecule, which composes the genes of a species, is made up of a long sequence of nucleotides. These nucleotides, taken in a series of three at a time, specify each amino acid subunit on a protein, and consequently the structure of that protein, since the DNA is used to create these in transcription, by using an intermediary mRNA molecule. Changing the sequence of these nucleotide bases in the DNA chain therefore causes a complementary change in the mRNA molecule and the resulting codon and thus the sequence of amino acids in the proteins created in protein synthesis. Such a change in the base sequence of the DNA is known as a genetic mutation. Some genetic mutations are neutral or silent and hence do not affect the protein or the health of the affected individual. However most genetic mutations result in consequent changes in proteins that have a significant effect on the health of the affected individual, as proteins