Question 1
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that is associated with defects in the CFTR protein. The CFTR protein is a gated ion channel that requires ATP binding in order to allow chloride ions (Cl−) to diffuse across the membrane.
(a) Draw a picture of a eukaryotic cell. The picture must include the following organelles: nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus. Draw arrows to describe the pathway for production of a normal CFTR protein from gene expression to final cellular location. (1 point)
(b) Identify in one sentence the most likely cellular location of the ribosomes that synthesize CFTR protein. (1 point)
(c) The central Dogma basically state that information in cells flows from DNA to RNA to proteins. Replication, Transcription, and Translation are the three main processes used by all cells to maintain their genetic information and to convert the genetic information encoded in DNA into gene products, primarily proteins.
Describe and discuss the three main parts of the Central Dogma: replication, transcription, and translation. You must give detailed account of how these processes are carried out by human eukaryotic cells. You must also explain how individual cells containing the exact same DNA are guided to produce their own individual proteins that differentiate them from other cells in the same organism.
DNA replication-3 points
Transcription-3 points
Translation-3 points
Mutation of CFTR protein in cystic fibrosis-5 points