Thursday, December 15, 2016

Unit Five Reflection

This unit we asked the question: What does our genetic code look like, and how does it work? All of us are made up of DNA, and the very DNA we have our great, great, great, great, grandparents had first. DNA carries the genetic code that determines how we look. How does DNA do that? First the DNA copies itself in a process called transcription. Then, it goes from two strands to one, and becomes RNA by recopying the part it lost with RNA codes. Then the finished RNA goes to the ribosome that reads the RNA and translates it into amino acid codes, or Codons. That amino acid makes up our protein, and that protein makes up our features. If a mutation, or change in the code occurs, the entire pattern can be messed up and in turn affect the end protein product.  In this unit I had trouble understanding gene regulation and even now I still have to look over my notes to check on the difference between an operator and promoter.

This unit teaches us about how our body is able to function and why we look how we look. It is important to know this because if you decided to have a child, you would want to know how it would grow and take the genes from you and turn into a individual. Or, a more serious reason, if you or your child has a mutation in your DNA code, it may have severe to no consequences. It would be really cool if you could provide a sample and scientists could track and map your exact DNA and RNA codons, and the exact order of your bases.
Image result for copyright free dna diagram
This is a copy right free photo of DNA replication

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