Question

2 a student claims \if you change a gene, the copy of the gene (rna) will also change, but the protein and resulting trait will stay the same.\ is this student correct? explain why or why not using the vocabulary from class. 3. explain why the central dogma (dna → rna → protein → trait) is important for how living things function.

Explanation:

• Question 2: The student is incorrect. A change in DNA (gene) will lead to a change in RNA (as RNA is transcribed from DNA). However, due to the degeneracy of the genetic code (multiple codons can code for the same amino acid), the protein might not change. If the protein doesn't change, the resulting trait may stay the same. But the RNA will change because it is directly synthesized from the DNA template.
• Question 3: The central dogma (DNA → RNA → protein → trait) is important for living things. DNA stores genetic information. Transcription (DNA→RNA) allows the information to be transported (mRNA leaves the nucleus in eukaryotes). Translation (RNA→protein) synthesizes proteins which are the functional molecules in cells (enzymes, structural proteins etc.). Proteins determine traits (e.g., eye - color proteins). So, it's a fundamental process for inheritance, development, and maintaining life functions.

Answer:

• 2. The student is incorrect. RNA will change as it is transcribed from DNA. But protein and trait may not change due to genetic code degeneracy.
• 3. Central dogma is important as it describes how genetic information (DNA) is used to make functional proteins (via RNA) that determine traits and are essential for life processes like metabolism, growth, and reproduction.