DNA to Protein Chromosomes are made of tightly packed DNA A gene is a section of the DNA molecule that codes for a particular protein. The order of nitrogen bases along a gene forms a genetic code that specifies what type of protein will be produced. REMEMBERA protein is made of many amino acids. 3 DNA bases codes for one specific amino acid. What is a gene? A section of DNA, with many bases that codes for a protein Results in a TRAIT Cytoplasm Nucleus Transcription DNA cannot leave the nucleus Ribosomes, that make proteins, are in the cytoplasm or ER DNA must be copied into mRNA (messenger RNA) mRNA carries the code of nitrogen bases Translation The mRNA can leave the nucleus At ribosomes, the code of nitrogen bases is translated into a protein A set of three nitrogen bases, code for one amino acid The amino acids linked together make a protein DNA --> RNA --> Protein Proteins are the building blocks of the organism (traits) Transcription - process where mRNA is made from DNA Translation - process where proteins are made from mRNA To Review: Mutations What do you think a mutation is? A mutation is a mistake or change in a gene Mutations can change what amino acid is added into the protein (Some) Types of mutations Deletion Normal ATTCGG Mutation A_TCGG Substitution Normal GGCATC Mutation TGCATC Insertion Normal CTTACG Mutation CTTAATACG Nondisjunction What are the effects of mutations? Harmful or Helpful? A mutation is harmful to an organism if it reduces that organisms chance for survival and reproduction Example: Change in fur color that makes an animal more visible in the wild A mutation is helpful to an organism if it improves its change for survival and reproduction Example: Bacteria resistant to antibiotics Mutations that occur in sex cells will be passed on to offspring. If mutations occur in body cells, these are not passed on to the next generation Example