Protein to Disease

Our Goal

The task for this project was to learn how proteins impact disease. As we were taught about how proteins fold and how proteins develop, we had to apply that knowledge to our disease and learn how the mutation in protein folding caused the disease. Our group was assigned Parkinson's disease and to display our knowledge we made a brochure intended for an old person's home.

Evidence of Work

Linked below is

1. Protein to Disease brochure that was printed and handed out among our classmates.

2. Our doc with collected research throughout the project.

Content

Central Dogma -

The Central Dogma of biology is the concept of how genetic information flows through a biological system. This is the explanation of how DNA becomes RNA through transcription and how the RNA is turned into a protein through translation. After transcription and translation, the protein folds and becomes functional. Central Dogma is an extremely important concept within biology because it helps to explain the basic processes of life.

Protein -

Proteins are molecules formed by amino acid residues and peptide bonds. The components of protein include hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, sulfur, nitrogen, and sometimes phosphorus.

Protein Synthesis -

Protein synthesis is the process in which protein is made. As stated above, DNA goes from RNA, RNA turns into a protein, and at last it folds into a functioning protein.

a. Transcription

1. Transcription takes place in the nucleus, where the DNA is located.

2. DNA passes it's nucleotide base code onto a single stranded mRNA molecule (mRNA = messenger RNA). It is able to do this with the help of RNA polymerase, an enzyme, which connects complementary RNA bases to the DNA.

b. Translation

1. The single stranded mRNA carries the nucleotide base code through the cell's cytoplasm to the ribosomes. The code is carried in codons.

2. Each codon signals tRNA (tRNA = transfer RNA) to carry specific amino acids into the ribosome.

3. Inside the ribosome amino acids bond together with a peptide bond, and a polypeptide chain is formed.

c. Folding

1. The process of protein folding gives the protein 3D shape and allows it to function. The steps in protein folding include:

   1. 1. Primary

         1. In the primary stage the protein is the polypeptide chain after translation, now in the cytoplasm.

      2. Secondary

         1. The protein begins to fold in the rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

         2. through folding secondary structures of Alpha Helix and Beta Sheets are formed.

      3. Tertiary

         1. The tertiary folding takes place in the Endoplasmic Reticulum and the Golgi Apparatus

         2. More folding occurs based on hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts of the protein. The tertiary stage is the stage where the protein takes on it's full 3D form.

      4. Quaternary

         1. When proteins are made up of multiple polypeptide chains, the Quaternary stage allows for single peptides to bond to other peptides, forming full proteins.

DNA -

AKA Deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA is found in every living organism and holds the genetic code of an organism. It takes shape in a double helix shape. It is found in the nucleus and is the main makeup of chromosomes.

RNA -

AKA Ribonucleic acid. RNA is used in genetic coding and creating proteins. It is found in the cells of living organisms and takes shape in a single helix form. The two main types of RNA are mRNA and tRNA. mRNA is used to pass on genetic information in order to make proteins. tRNA carries amino acids, that end up bonding to the mRNA. The mRNA directs the tRNA on how to link together in polypeptide chains with the use of the nucleotides it contains.

Mutation -

A mutation is a change in DNA or a change in chromosomes. There are neutral, beneficial, and harmful mutations. Any organism with DNA or mRNA can experience a mutation. Mutations are random and can be genetically inherited. Silent mutations result in a neutral effect because it codes for the same amino acid that would have been. Mutations are caused by duplication, deletion, inversion, or translocation in chromosomes.

Codon -

A codon is a group of three specific nucleotides that make up the code of DNA or RNA. Each codon based on the nucleotides it carries represents an amino acid. mRNA travels in codons.

Anti Codon -

Each codon has a anticodon that corresponds with it. Anticodons are responsible for telling what amino acids from the codons will be utilized. They are produced from nucleotides and are found in tRNA

Polypeptide Chain -

A polypeptide chain is a linked group of amino acids, created when codons and anticodons combine. A complete polypeptide chain is completed after translation, and will eventually become a protein.

Parkinson's Disease -

Parkinson's is a disease that progressively impacts the central nervous system. Symptoms include tremor muscular rigidity, and slow movement. With Parkinson's there are mutations in the SCNA gene, LRRK2, PARK7, PINK1, and PRKN.

Reflection

Personally I really enjoyed this project. With previous STEM projects we were given information and a guideline to follow, which made us able to complete the project with our own twist. Along with adding our ideas into the work, we had to complete thorough research to understand our work. I feel like I worked hard and well with my group, and the overall product was a success.

Like I said above, I felt as if I worked hard and dedicated a lot of effort towards the research and understanding of this project. I was able to catch up and really understand the material if this project even after being out with Covid for the first week. Along with hard work I also learned how to make a brochure and I persevered through technical difficulties with my printer.

Although I am very proud of my effort put into this project, there is always room for improvement when working with others. In the beginning of this project I had Covid so I came into the work a little late. Because of this I wasn't able to lead my group and just did what I was told. On the next project I feel like I can contribute more to my group by helping to delegate roles and set goals for everyone. Another thing I feel I can improve on is my willingness to help my other group mates with their sections. I am a very dedicated worker and sometimes get lost within my own work. On the next project I can work on opening up and listening more to my teammates concerns.

Two of the six C's I demonstrated during this project were collaboration and cultural competency. I collaborated with my group when we talked about research we completed and what sections of the final project we were each completing. I was able to take ownership and responsibility of my work and completed it on time and to the best of my ability. I showed cultural competency during this project because I was able to draw from my own experiences with Parkinson's, as my grandfather is currently suffering. I applied what I learned to his sickness and it helped me to understand what was going on at a deeper level in order to empathize with him. I went on to show my grandfather my project and listen to his stories, gaining perspective from a person who actually has Parkinson's.