7.3.1 Sickle Cell anaemia
· On chromosome 11, the 17th nucleotide of the gene that codes for the beta chain of haemoglobin is changed from an 'A' to a 'T'. (GAG to GTG) à WRONG!!!
· This changes the mRNA codon from 'CUC' to 'CAC' à WRONG!!!, resulting in the 6th amino acid of the chain being changed from glutamic acid to valine. The R side chain of glutamic acid is a polar whereas that of valine is hydrophobic. The mutant haemoglobin is known as Haemoglobin S (HbS).
· This substitution of one single base in the beta globin gene alters the quaternary structure of haemoglobin, which has a profound influence on the physiology and wellbeing of the individual.
To change the above to:
7.3.1 Sickle Cell anaemia
· On chromosome 11, the 17th nucleotide of the gene that codes for the beta chain of haemoglobin is changed from an 'T' to a 'A'. (template 3’ CTT 5’ to 3’ CAT 5’) à CORRECT
· This changes the mRNA codon from 5' GAA 3' to 5’ GUA 3' à CORRECT, resulting in the 6th amino acid of the chain being changed from glutamic acid to valine. The R side chain of glutamic acid is a polar whereas that of valine is hydrophobic. The mutant haemoglobin is known as Haemoglobin S (HbS).