Web Activities
UNIT 2: MOLECULAR GENETICS
Chapter 5 - Protein Synthesis
Page Number
Question
p. 248
Case Study: Human Immunodeficiency Virus
13. Currently, blood tests are available to screen for the AIDS virus.
Although these tests are very effective in detecting the virus, they
fail if the virus has been contracted recently. Research how the AIDS
test works. Explain why the test may fail to detect the virus after
a recent exposure to HIV.
FAQ
about HIV Testing
FAQ about HIV Testing includes information on the different types
of HIV tests available and how they work, as well as describing their
limitations. From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in
the USA.
HIV
Testing
HIV Testing provides lots of practical information and advice. The
section entitled ‘Window Period’ explains why testing
may not detect recent HIV infection. From the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.
HIV
Antibody Testing
This page, published by the AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador,
provides basic information about HIV Antibody Testing, including simple
explanations of the different types of tests and how they work.
p. 251
Did You Know?
Key Molecules from DNA to Protein
The flow of information from DNA to protein is a very complex
process. The elucidation of the relationship between DNA, mRNA, ribosomes,
tRNA, and protein was the result of numerous scientists working on separate
pieces of the puzzle. Watch an online animation of their studies.
DNA
from the Beginning
DNA from the Beginning is a Web site that describes the major ideas
surrounding DNA. Each idea is supported by animations, problems, biographies,
etc. This animations deals with the relationships between DNA and
RNA and how they work together to form proteins. The site is maintained
by Dolan DNA Learning Center.
p. 254
Did You Know?
First to Arrive, First to Cleave
Watch online animations of protein synthesis.
Protein
Synthesis
Protein Synthesis is an animation created by R. Bourgeois at Dawson
College. It is a simple animation showing the process of protein synthesis,
including the role of the ribosome, tRNA, and mRNA.
p. 254
Did You Know?
The Dynamic Proteome
Watch online animations of DNA structure, replication, and the steps
involved in protein synthesis.
DNA
Anatomy
DNA Anatomy is a Web site created by John Kyrk. This site shows the
structure of DNA, and the processes of transcription and translation
in great detail. To see animations of transcription and translation,
click on the links at the bottom of the page.
p. 254
Section 5.4 questions
13. Many antibiotics function by inhibiting protein synthesis
in bacteria. Choose one of the following antibiotics and use the Internet
or periodicals to research how the antibiotic inhibits protein synthesis.
Report your findings in paragraph form.
a. chloramphenicol
b. streptomycin
c. tetracycline
How
Antibiotics Work--The Mechanisms of Action
Brief descriptions of the mechanisms of action of a range of antibiotics
"families" are given on this Web page. The site belongs
to the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics.
Protein
Synthesis Inhibitors
Dr. King, a biochemist from Indiana University, has put together an
excellent Web site that includes a table of antibiotics that are protein
synthesis inhibitors. Short, but specific, descriptions of their mode
of action are provided.
Protein
Synthesis Antibiotics
Easy-to-understand descriptions of protein synthesis antibiotics are
given in this Web site, part of a medical course at Leeds University
in the United Kingdom. The mode of action and main uses of many antibiotics
are presented.
Antibiotics
This lecture, written by a professor from the University of Wisconsin,
organizes the antibiotics by their mode of action. A paragraph on
each main family of protein synthesis inhibitors excplains where the
antibiotics comes from, how it works, and what it is used to treat.
p. 256
Did You Know?
Gene Expression is Regulated
“Find out more about their (Francois Jacob and Jacques Monod)
classic experiment in an online animation.”
DNA
from the Beginning
DNA from the Beginning is a Web site that describes the major ideas
surrounding DNA. Each idea is supported by animations, problems, biographies,
etc. This animation deals with the discovery of the lac operon by
Francois Jacob and Jacques Monod. The site is maintained by Dolan
DNA Learning Center.
p. 262
Explore an Issue – Debate: Cell Phones and Brain Cancer
Statement: The electromagnetic radiation associated with the use of
cell phones does not contribute to the development of brain cancer.
- Search for information in periodicals, newspaper articles,
and on the Internet.
a. Write a list of points and counterpoints which your group
has considered.
b. Decide whether your group agrees or disagrees with the
statement.
c. Prepare to defend your position in a class discussion.
No
Clear Connection
Cellular phones and Cancer: No Clear Connection, appeared in the FDA
Consumer magazine published by the US Food and Drug Administration
in the year 2000. It outlines some of the scientific research on the
issue, prior to 2000. What's the conclusion? There is not enough evidence
to stop using a cell phone.
Neurologist
Sues Motorola
Currently underway in the USA, is a unique legal battle summarized
in Neurologist sues Motorola. A neurologist in involved in a class
action suit for $800 million dollars. He claims that the use of his
cell phone has caused his brain cancer. ConsumerAffairs.com reports
on the story.
Cell
Phone Safety
An interview on PBS NewsHour about Cell Phone Safety is
reproduced online. The results of some scientific studies showing
that cell phones are safe are explained.
Scientific
Studies on Cell Phone Dangers
Reported in an IT magazine are summaries of Scientific Studies on
Cell Phone Dangers. Based on their results, the studies are divided
into two categories - No Problem and Risky Business.
p. 265
Section 5.7 questions
4. Using your knowledge of mitochondrial function and structure, and
information you find on the Internet and at the library, explain why
an endosymbiotic relationship may have evolved between mitochondria
and cells. Repeat this exercise for the relationship between cryptomonads
and the compartmentalized structure within them that contains a nucleomorph.
Present your explanation in paragraph form.
Endosymbiosis
and the Origin of Eukaryotes
Evidence for the theory of Endosymbiosis and The Origin of Eukaryotes
is outlined in this section of an online biology textbook. Mitochondria,
chloroplasts, and the genomic components of cryptomonads are all discussed
in a well laid out format with good colour diagrams.
p. 271
Activity 5.8.1 – Comparison of Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic
Genomes
Analysis
f. Using the Internet or library resources, find other examples
of prokaryotic and eukaryotic sequences. Compare the sequences for size,
gene clustering, and the presence of microsatellites.
Genome
Gateway
The magazine Nature has gathered together some of its papers
relating to the sequencing of genomes in their site Genome Gateway.
The papers, many of which include sequence data, are organized by
organism.
Entrez
Genomes
The National Center for Biotechnology Information, in cooperation
with two sister organizations, administers GenBank - a Web site that
catalogues the DNA sequences of the entire world! Entrez Genomes is
part of that site. Here, the complete genomes of over 800 organisms
can be viewed by the general public.
