Protein to disease

For this project,

My group and I, were assigned to find a disease caused by genetic mutation, so for this project we chose the Creutzfeldt Jakob disease.

Goal

To showcase how protein synthesis works and the steps behind it. As well as, describe out genetic disease, and then compare the proteins from a normal healthy protein to that of the diseased.

content

To start our project we had a look at how protein synthesis worked and made sure to completely understand transcription, translation and protein folding. the three important steps allowing protein synthesis. we then took a look at how normal protein synthesis compared to that of the protein synthesis of abnormal prion proteins being produced. this meant looking at different DNA RNA and amino acid sequences all of which seemed rather normal until we found that within the protein folding step it wasn't folding properly thus resulting in the increased growth of the prion protein which then paired with prpc found in bad meat can cause this fatal disease.

key terms-

transcription:

within the nucleus DNA is being split in half by the dna polymerase and a copy of which is being made in the form of mRNA all of which in the nucleus.

translation:

During translation the mRNA created in the nucleus is sent out into the cytoplasm where it is fed into the ribosomes. tRNA bearing amino acids and anticodons, which match up with the codons of the mRNA arrive and deposit their amino acids according to the mRNA’s instructions. The amino acids create a polypeptide chain which forms into a protein.

protein folding:

First the protein is formed from its twenty amino acids as a polypeptide chain in its primary structure. Then it begins to fold in localized areas which is called its secondary structure. The tertiary structure of a protein refers to its now three dimensional shape. Quaternary structure is when subunits of a larger protein come together. This occurs so the protein can function properly.

Dna:

the organelle in a cell which holds all the genetic information which is then copied into Mrna and sent out to make proteins.

Mrna:

a copy of Dna's instructions on how to build proteins that aid ribosomes in making proteins.

amino acids:

the base unit of which proteins are built out of

proteins:

built from amino acids.

trna:

contains amino acids and anti codons which match with codons

codons:

a group of three nucleotides in order that specifies which amino acids to be used.

Disease:

Creutzfeldt Jakob disease

causes:

abnormal growth in the prion protein found throughout the nervous system

effects:

It is a cognitive and muscular disease causing amnesia, mental confusion, dementia, delusion, disorientation, the inability to speak or understand language, anxiety, apathy, depression, hallucinations, blurred vision, difficulty speaking, insomnia, personality change, rapid involuntary eye movement, and a lack of concentration. Further it causes rhythmic muscular contractions, slow bodily movements, jerking muscle spasms, issues with coordination, and overactive reflexes. The impacted patient has a zero percent chance of surviving.

cures:

none just pain relief

DNA sequence:

GCC-AGT-CGC-TGA-CAG-CCG-CCG

Mrna sequence:

CGG-UCA-GCG-AGU-GUC-GGC-GGC

amino acids sequence:

ARG-SER-ALA-SER-VAL-GLY-GLY

result of genetic mutation:

failed protein folding

Research:

currently done is by the CJD foundation

Reflection:

In this project we learned how to not only learn more about genetically sourced diseases but also how they originate and get a better grasp at how truly random genetics can often be and lead to the widest array of different result whether good or bad. In specifics this project allowed us to learn more about CJD a disease I never knew existed before this project and discover how it comes about and where the genetic mutation originates from abnormal prion proteins.

Two things I did well was make sure to fill in the gaps in our project and keep our team running smoothly. I might not have taken charge but made sure that everyone was out doing their own part and making all the requirements. though this i think i also learned how important it is to have organizational skills and that people know what they're doing before running away and doing it.

this bringing me to two things i think I did badly which was my lack of taking over. In the project one of my group mates started to die down after talking which is when i should have stepped up and taken over yet I missed the opportunity and will learn to take the few opportunities I see. This along with learning I need to work on organizing presentation so they look more visually appealing was something I was heavily criticized by my group mates.

Some of the C's I showed during this project was collaboration and communication via making sure my jobs were completed during our work times and communication by making sure we understood what was needed during our presentation and what wasn't. All of which helped me accomplish more during this project and learn some lessons along the way.