GN 301 -Central Dogma and Genetic Medicine Student Worksheet
OVERVIEW
This worksheet complements the Central Dogma and Genetic Medicine Click & Learn.
Procedure
As you proceed through the Click & Learn, follow the instructions below and answer the
questions in the spaces provided.
1. Let’s review! The central dogma of molecular biology refers to the process of gene
expression. Write the definition of gene expression in your own words.
Gene expression is how genes are given directions to DNA to make proteins
and other molecules
2. Click on the “Central Dogma” menu tab at the top of the screen. The table below
outlines the steps in eukaryotic gene expression. Click on each tab or scroll through
the page and briefly summarize each step below.
Gene Molecules Involved Summary
Expression What molecules and What happens during this
Steps proteins are involved in this step?
step?
Transcription DNA, RNA Polymerase, RNA polymerase
Intron, Exon transcribes a gene’s DNA
into an RNA transcript with
a complementary
sequence.
RNA Splicing Intron, exon, spliceosome RNA transcript is edited
through splicing by the
spliceosome trimming out
the introns and splicing
exons together to produce
mRNA.
mRNA Transport mRNA mRNA is transported from
nucleus to the cytoplasm
Translation mRNA,polypeptide, RIbosome translates
, ribosome, tRNA mRNA into amino acids
after they are brought by
tRNA and added into a
polypeptide chain.
Protein Processing Polypeptide chain The polypeptide chain is
folded and assembled into
a 3D protein, and can take
place in either the
cytoplasm, ER, or Golgi
apparatus.
3. Mutations in the DNA can affect the structure and function of proteins. Some
mutations may even cause genetic diseases. Scientists and doctors can intervene at
different points during gene expression to develop treatments for such genetic
diseases—or genetic medicine. Let’s learn about the genetic medicines that are
being developed
Select the “Genetic Medicine” tab located on the top right of the screen. Click on the
tab corresponding to the genetic medicine(s) that your instructor assigns to you,
or scroll through the interactive and click on the pink “+” sign labeled with that
genetic medicine. Read the “Genetic Medicine” tab material, watch the video, and read
the information in the “Learn more” link. Then, complete the appropriate row(s)
below.
Genetic Medicine Short Summary Detailed Description
Write a one-sentence summary Describe how this genetic
of how this genetic medicine medicine would be used to treat
works. a genetic disease. (For example,
mention how it would fix the
disease-causing mutation and/or
result in a functioning protein.)
CRISPR-Cas9 This technology allows It deletes the mutation on
scientists to edit a cell’s the gene so that the gene
DNA by knocking out a can carry out it's
gene that is not required function.
expressed or edit the
disease-causing
mutation.
Gene Therapy This technology allows To treat Leber congenital
OVERVIEW
This worksheet complements the Central Dogma and Genetic Medicine Click & Learn.
Procedure
As you proceed through the Click & Learn, follow the instructions below and answer the
questions in the spaces provided.
1. Let’s review! The central dogma of molecular biology refers to the process of gene
expression. Write the definition of gene expression in your own words.
Gene expression is how genes are given directions to DNA to make proteins
and other molecules
2. Click on the “Central Dogma” menu tab at the top of the screen. The table below
outlines the steps in eukaryotic gene expression. Click on each tab or scroll through
the page and briefly summarize each step below.
Gene Molecules Involved Summary
Expression What molecules and What happens during this
Steps proteins are involved in this step?
step?
Transcription DNA, RNA Polymerase, RNA polymerase
Intron, Exon transcribes a gene’s DNA
into an RNA transcript with
a complementary
sequence.
RNA Splicing Intron, exon, spliceosome RNA transcript is edited
through splicing by the
spliceosome trimming out
the introns and splicing
exons together to produce
mRNA.
mRNA Transport mRNA mRNA is transported from
nucleus to the cytoplasm
Translation mRNA,polypeptide, RIbosome translates
, ribosome, tRNA mRNA into amino acids
after they are brought by
tRNA and added into a
polypeptide chain.
Protein Processing Polypeptide chain The polypeptide chain is
folded and assembled into
a 3D protein, and can take
place in either the
cytoplasm, ER, or Golgi
apparatus.
3. Mutations in the DNA can affect the structure and function of proteins. Some
mutations may even cause genetic diseases. Scientists and doctors can intervene at
different points during gene expression to develop treatments for such genetic
diseases—or genetic medicine. Let’s learn about the genetic medicines that are
being developed
Select the “Genetic Medicine” tab located on the top right of the screen. Click on the
tab corresponding to the genetic medicine(s) that your instructor assigns to you,
or scroll through the interactive and click on the pink “+” sign labeled with that
genetic medicine. Read the “Genetic Medicine” tab material, watch the video, and read
the information in the “Learn more” link. Then, complete the appropriate row(s)
below.
Genetic Medicine Short Summary Detailed Description
Write a one-sentence summary Describe how this genetic
of how this genetic medicine medicine would be used to treat
works. a genetic disease. (For example,
mention how it would fix the
disease-causing mutation and/or
result in a functioning protein.)
CRISPR-Cas9 This technology allows It deletes the mutation on
scientists to edit a cell’s the gene so that the gene
DNA by knocking out a can carry out it's
gene that is not required function.
expressed or edit the
disease-causing
mutation.
Gene Therapy This technology allows To treat Leber congenital
