Name: __________________________

β -Globin Gene Inquiry Lab

Objective: The human β-globin protein functions in transporting oxygen throughout our bodies. The sequence of the 147 amino acids that comprise the protein is encoded in a sequence of nucleotides that make up the β-Globin Gene. Using the map, find the nucleotide sequence in the DNA that encodes the amino acid sequence of the β -globin protein . Highlight (with a highlighter or white board marker) both the nucleotide sequence and the corresponding amino acid sequence on your map. The amino acid sequence of the β-globin protein is shown below. Please note that the one-letter abbreviation of each amino acid is used. If your group is the first to find the sequence, you will win yet more extra credit!

Rules: You have 2 hints that you can use during this problem solving challenge. But use them wisely! Once they are used up, you won’t get another hint…

Beta-Globin Protein Sequence:

MVHLTPEEKSAVTALWGKVNVDEVGGEALGRLLVVYPWTQRFFESFGDLSTPDAVMGNPKVKAHGKKVLGAFSDGLAHLDNLKGTFATLSELHCDKLHVDPENFRLLGNVLVCVLAHHFGKEFTPPVQAAYQKVVAGVANALAHKYH

Prepare

1. How does DNA store information?

2. How do scientists solve problems?

3. DNA holds information that codes for the production of proteins. What is the building block of a protein and how many DNA nucleotides are needed to code for one of these building blocks?

Engage

1. Observe the coding strip without talking to your teammates. Fill in the K and W columns of the following table based your own observations:

KWhat you know

WWhat you want to know

LWhat you’ve learned

2. Next, talk with your teammates. Fill in the “L” section for things that you learned from them. Also, fill in anything else that you and your teammates have come up with for what you still want to know.

3. Now, problem solve with your teammates. Your goal is to complete your objective, which is to discover and highlight the DNA sequence that codes for the beta-hemoglobin protein. You may wish to consult the codon chart and the one-letter abbreviation of each

amino acid on the next page. Once you think you have discovered the solution, call Mrs. Baur over to sign off:

This group solved the problem at hand!

Mrs. Baur’s Initials: _________________

Reflect:

1. Which of the two DNA strands (top or bottom) would be considered the template strand and why is it important to use that strand, and not the other?

2. Why are there three different amino acid sequences listed under the DNA?

3. What does the * symbol mean?

4. Is a protein made from a continuous, singular, linear stretch of DNA? Explain.

5. Summarize what you learned about protein synthesis and gene expression from this lab.

6. What was the most frustrating thing about this lab?

7. How does solving problems help you learn?

8. How can the skills used in this lab be applied to a real world situation or occupation?