Week 8

3/12/2025

This week in lab I learned that structural changes to genes, named mutations, may affect proteins and have the possibility of resulting in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the structure or function of the organism. Mutations are a change within the DNA sequence whether it is the nucleotide or base. I additionally gained a stronger understanding of DNA code for protein. Every three bases codes for an amino acid, this is often referred to as the protein building blocks. The three-letter code is the instructions for making a protein one building block at a time. Some of those codes mean stop or start.

I was able to apply what we learned the last couple of weeks in lab and lecture to our discussion about genotypes and phenotypes. Genotypes are combinations of alleles that they possess for a specific gene that are directly inherited from the parents. Phenotypes are observable characteristics or traits resulting from the expression gene, there can be environmental factors that also affect phenotypes. The baby lab last week helped me understand how all the traits within humans are seen, but this week we discussed the dominant and recessive genes that are seen within the baby lab.

The two DNA mutation simulations are two modeling resources that I can use in my future classroom. Simulations are great resources that promote active engagement from students whether they are working individually or together in groups. They ensure students bring out their critical thinking skills to understand and be creative with the simulator. Additionally, simulations show real world applications that students can apply.