Essay Unit 11A - Genetics and Genetic Engineering

BTEC Assignment Brief
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied
Qualification
Science
Unit number and title
Unit 11: Genetics and Genetic engineering

Learning aim(s) (For A: Understand the structure and function of nucleic acids to
NQF only) describe gene expression and the process of protein synthesis
Structure and function of nucleic acids
Assignment title

Assessor

Issue date

Hand in deadline


You are applying to do work experience in a molecular biology
laboratory. As part of the application process, you have been asked
Vocational Scenario or
to produce an illustrative report to demonstrate your
Context
understanding of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis and the
consequences of error occurring in protein synthesis.


Task Produce an illustrated report that assesses the impact of error in
the stages of protein synthesis, discusses the functional role of
nucleic acids in the stages of protein synthesis and explains the
structure and function of nucleic acids:

Explain the nucleotide structure and main features of the
following nucleic acids:
 DNA – stages and enzymes involved in DNA
replication
 RNA – mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, siRNA

Discuss the functional role of these nucleic acids in protein
synthesis and the locations of each stage involved in protein
synthesis.




Discuss how the genetic code allows proteins to be synthesised
with minimal errors taking place, including:
 triplet codes

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,  codon
 anticodon
 degenerate code
 non-overlapping

Assess the possibility of errors occurring during the stages of
protein synthesis, particularly during transcription and
translation. Analyse the cause and effect of genetic mutations in
DNA, including:
 Missense
 Nonsense
 Silent
 Insertion
 Deletion
 Duplication
 frameshift

Provide examples of the impact that these errors may have on
the end products of protein synthesis.

Scientific terminology must be used accurately throughout your
report. You are encouraged to include photographs of models,
images, or diagrams where appropriate, and reference your
sources.
Checklist of evidence An illustrative report that includes:
required  Assessment of the consequences of error during protein
synthesis
 Discussion about protein synthesis and the role of nucleic
acids
 Explanation of the structure and function of DNA and RNA



Criteria covered by this task:
Unit/Criteria
To achieve the criteria, you must show that you are able to:
reference
A.D1 Assess the impact of error in the stages of protein synthesis.
Discuss the functional role of nucleic acids in DNA in the stages of protein
A.M1
synthesis.
A.P1 Explain the structure and function of DNA and various nucleic acids.
Sources of information https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG7uCskUOrA
to support you with this
Assignment http://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/discovery-of-dna-
structure-and-function-watson-397


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, http://www.scienceprofonline.com/genetics/ribonucleic-acid-rna-
structure-and-function.html

http://www.livescience.com/37247-dna.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK26821/

https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-sirna-and-how-is-it-used-
375598

https://highered.mheducation.com/sites/9834092339/
student_view0/chapter15/protein_synthesis.html

https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/mutationsanddisorders/
possiblemutations

Above are some examples of websites. Further useful
resources may be found at:


http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/published-
resources.html#step1

Other assessment
materials attached to
this Assignment Brief


Learner declaration

I certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own. I have clearly referenced any
sources used in the work. I understand that false declaration is a form of malpractice. By
uploading this document, I certify that the evidence submitted for this assignment is my own. I
have clearly referenced any sources used in the work. I understand that false declaration is a
form of malpractice.

Learner signature: Date:




Describe and explain what a nucleotide is:

A phosphate group, a sugar, and a base are the three components of a nucleotide. (“What are
the three components of a nucleotide - Brainly.com”) They are sugars and bases that make up
DNA and RNA. An organic molecule is referred to as a base. Purines and pyrimidines are the
two types of bases. Purines are adenine and guanine, while pyrimidines are thymine, uracil,
and cytosine. (“Expand ATP class 12 biology CBSE”)




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, Helmenstine, A., 2022. What Are the Three Parts of a Nucleotide?. [online] Science Notes and Projects. Available
at: <https://sciencenotes.org/what-are-the-three-parts-of-a-nucleotide/> [Accessed 3 March 2022].

Nitrogen bases:
5 nitrogen containing bases (nucleotides):
- Cytosine (DNA & RNA)
- Thymine (DNA)
- Adenine (DNA & RNA)
- Guanine (DNA & RNA)
- Uracil (RNA)




Ib.bioninja.com.au. 2022. [online] Available at: <https://ib.bioninja.com.au/_Media/nitrogenous-
bases_med.jpeg> [Accessed 3 March 2022].

Purines are one of two chemical compounds used by cells to make the DNA and RNA building
blocks. Adenine and guanine are examples of purines. Purines can also be found in foods, such
as meat. Their structures have two rings in them. Guanine and adenine are two examples of
these. The second class of nitrogen bases is pyrimidine. Cells use these to create the DNA and
RNA building blocks. Pyrimidines are single-ringed structures with a smaller size. Cytosine,
uracil, and thymine are examples of these.

Describe and explain the structure of a DNA molecule

Nucleotides, which make up DNA, are repeating units. A polynucleotide is a structure that has
more than two nucleotides joining them together. DNA is made up of strands of
polynucleotides. They are antiparallel – they are structured in such a way that they run in
opposite directions. Allowing nucleotides to be connected, covalent bonds form between the
phosphate group of one nucleotide and the third carbon atom of the pentose sugar in the next
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