TEK B.7.A (DNA → Traits) JEOPARDY

DNA Structure

100

What is the shape of DNA called?

Double helix

200

What forms the “rungs” of the DNA ladder?

Nitrogen bases

300

What part of the nucleotide changes from gene to gene?

The base

400

What holds base pairs together?

Hydrogen bonds

500

Two different mutations happen in the same gene:

• Mutation A changes the 3rd base in a codon

• Mutation B changes the 1st base in a codon

Question:
Predict which mutation is more likely to change the trait and explain why.

Changing the 1st base is more likely to change the amino acid → protein → trait.

Base Pairing

100

A pairs with ____.

T

200

C pairs with ____.

G

300

Changing one base is called what?

A mutation

400

Why doesn’t every mutation change the trait?

Some mutations don’t change the amino acid

500

Predict the trait effect if a mutation changes the start codon.

The protein may not form at all.

DNA → mRNA → Protein

100

DNA is copied into what molecule?

mRNA

200

Groups of three mRNA bases are called what?

Codons

300

Codons build what?

Amino acids / proteins

400

A protein’s shape determines what?

The trait/ Function

500

A mutation changes the stop codon into a regular amino acid codon.

Question:
Predict the effect on the protein and the resulting trait.

Protein extends too long → misfolds → trait changes or protein fails.

Mutation Types

100

TAC → TAT is what type of mutation?

Substitution

200

TAC → TAAC is what type?

Insertion

300

TAC → TC_ is what type?

Deletion

400

Why do insertions and deletions often cause large changes?

They cause frameshift mutations

500

A DNA sequence has two mutations:

1. One substitution that is silent.

2. One deletion in the middle of the gene.

Question:
Predict which mutation the trait reveals and explain why the other is hidden.

The deletion affects the trait; the silent substitution does not change amino acids.

Real-World DNA Scenarios

100

A mutation that does not change the amino acid is called what?

Silent mutation

200

What mutation causes sickle cell disease?

A substitution in the hemoglobin gene

300

A mutation in a regulatory region affects what?

Gene expression

400

If a body cell mutates, will offspring inherit it?

No (somatic)

500

A mutation creates a new allele that produces a protein giving resistance to a toxin.
The allele is rare and recessive.

Question:
Predict how this allele spreads if the toxin becomes common in the environment.

Carriers survive at higher rates → recessive allele increases, possibly rapidly.