1- What is one potential deleterious effect of somatic mutations? 2- Why is the

Question

1- What is one potential deleterious effect of somatic mutations?

2- Why is the genetic code referred to as “degenerate”?

3- Given that the genetic code is degenerate, what are the two ways by which different codons may still code for the same amino acid? Just give the names, you don’t need to describe how they work.  

4- If an enzyme described in question #3 should incorrectly attach a Serine to a tRNA that has an Arginine anticodon (i.e., its anticodon is complementary to an Arginine codon), what will be the consequence when that charged tRNA participates in translation?  

5- ________________________________ are the enzymes that attach amino acids to tRNAs.  

Explanation / Answer

1. Mutation is the change in original base pair sequences that convert one allele to another allele; it is a continual source of genetic variation. These mutations may be harmful some times. Mutations in somatic cells may lead to cancer.

For example, Raf is a proto-oncogene, mutation of this gene may convert the gene to oncogene, which results in uncontrolled cell division and tumour formation.

MAP kinase (mitogen activated protein kinase) code for the proteins that affect mitosis, inflammatory cytokines production, cell differentiation etc. Mutations of this gene may trigger uncontrolled cell division that may lead to cancer cell production, and inflammation that result in arthritis.

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