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TASK 5 - INVESTIGATING
A THALASSEMIA MUTATION OF BETA GLOBIN
AUTHORS
Stewart Jackel
DESCRIPTION OF TASK
In this task, students use Cn3D (a free helper application for your web browser that allows you to view 3-dimensional structures) to investigate the effect of a nonsense mutation on the beta globin polypeptide. By comparing this mutation to healthy globin molecules, students will see that when a protein loses its shape (conformation) it also loses functionality.
Link to VCE Biology
Unit 4: Outcome 1
• Molecular genetics:
Genome, gene expression; genes as units of inheritance
Principle events in transcription and translation
• Variation: mutations
BACKGROUND
There is no preparation required prior
to this task. Some background information on Beta Thalassemia
is provided at the beginning of student instructions.
This task is suitable for Unit 4 VCE Biology or upper
secondary students. Suggested time for student task
is approximately 60 minutes.
MATERIALS
Instructions
for students to work through including background
and questions
It is recommended that student computers
have Cn3D downloaded from the URL http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Structure/CN3D/cn3d.shtml
prior to beginning the task.
Click here
to view CN3d haemoglobin structure.
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