Question

spot the difference: gene mutations
directions: carefully examine the original gene sequence and the mutated gene sequence.
identify the mutation - figure out what kind of mutation occurred (substitution, insertion, or deletion). predict the effect - thinking
about how this change might affect the protein and the organism, decide if the mutations effect would most likely be harmful,
beneficial, or neutral, and explain your reasoning - briefly explain why you think the mutation would have that particular effect.

gene pair 1: the \sweet tooth\ gene
this gene codes for a protein involved in sugar sensing.
original gene sequence:
mutated gene sequence:
identify the mutation:
predict the effect:
explain reasoning:

gene pair 2: the \speedy steps\ gene
this gene codes for a protein important for muscle function.
original gene sequence:
mutated gene sequence:
identify the mutation:
predict the effect:
explain reasoning:

gene pair 3: the \color vision\ gene
this gene codes for a protein responsible for detecting a specific color.
original gene sequence:
mutated gene sequence:
identify the mutation:
predict the effect:
explain reasoning:

gene pair 4: the \super strength\ gene
this gene codes for a protein that controls bone density.
original gene sequence:
mutated gene sequence:
identify the mutation:
predict the effect:
explain reasoning:

Explanation:

Gene Pair 1:

Step1: Analyze the mutation type

Compare the original (TGT) and mutated (TCT) codons. A single nucleotide (G→T) is changed, so it's a substitution.

Step2: Predict the effect

The original gene codes for sugar - sensing protein. A substitution might change the amino acid. If the new amino acid alters the protein's shape (e.g., affecting binding to sugar molecules), it could be harmful (e.g., inability to sense sugar properly).

Gene Pair 2:

Step1: Analyze the mutation type

The original sequence has "CCO" (assuming it's a typo, maybe CCC) and mutated has an extra "G" (insertion).

Step2: Predict the effect

Since it's a gene for muscle function, an insertion (frameshift if not in multiples of 3) can drastically change the amino - acid sequence downstream. This is likely harmful as it can disrupt muscle - protein structure and function.

Gene Pair 3:

Step1: Analyze the mutation type

Original "TTA" vs mutated "TTG". A single nucleotide (A→G) change, so substitution.

Step2: Predict the effect

For color - vision protein, substitution may change amino acid. If it affects light - absorption or protein folding (e.g., in opsin protein), could be harmful (e.g., color - blindness).

Gene Pair 4:

Step1: Analyze the mutation type

Original "GAT" vs mutated (deleted, as sequence is shorter). Deletion (if not in multiples of 3) causes frameshift.

Step2: Predict the effect

For bone - density protein, frameshift mutation changes amino - acid sequence. Harmful as it can lead to improper bone - protein (e.g., collagen - like) structure, weakening bones.

Answer:

• Gene Pair 1:
• Mutation: Substitution
• Effect: Harmful
• Reasoning: Substitution may change amino acid, disrupting sugar - sensing protein function.
• Gene Pair 2:
• Mutation: Insertion
• Effect: Harmful
• Reasoning: Insertion (likely frameshift) disrupts muscle - protein amino - acid sequence.
• Gene Pair 3:
• Mutation: Substitution
• Effect: Harmful
• Reasoning: Substitution may alter color - vision protein (e.g., opsin) structure/function.
• Gene Pair 4:
• Mutation: Deletion
• Effect: Harmful
• Reasoning: Deletion (frameshift) changes bone - density protein amino - acid sequence.