2 Questions about Biology?

Question

1. Why might a protein function incorrectly if it's shape were changed?

2. contrast the function of RNA and DNA.

Answer 1

1. The shape of a protein is incredibly important for its function! Previous person explained that...

2. DNA is what makes up your genome, holds all the info for your development and the functioning of every cell. It's essentially how stuff is stored! RNA on the other hand has a range of functions... I'm taking it you've learnt all about transcription and translation in class or something in order to be asking these questions? So you'll probably know that RNA is transcribed from DNA... and then if it's mRNA, it goes to the ribosomes to be translated into a polypeptide, which may join up with other polypeptides to form a functional protein - there's different stages of folding, etc. But the ribosomes themselves are made up of a combo of RNA (called rRNA, or ribosomal RNA) and proteins - so another function of RNA is to make up the ribosomes! Then you've probably learnt about the process of translation at the ribosomes and how the amino acids to build up a polypeptide are brought to the ribosome by tRNA - another RNA, another function! There's also other types to learn about, such as siRNA's involved in the removal of introns, etc, and the fact that although DNA is the main genetic material of all living organisms, some viruses (which can't strictly be classed as 'living') use RNA in place of DNA.... but not sure if you want that much detail just yet!

The whole thing is greatly fascinating though... like I'm sure you've heard of AIDS? Well, some people have a mistake in a gene that codes for a protein that provides entry into the particular cell types the virus that causes AIDS likes to infect... this mistake means the protein produced cannot fold properly and so does not work - as it is these proteins that the virus uses to gain entry to the cells, in people who have this mistake the HIV virus which causes AIDS cant get in - so they have resistance to HIV! Cool huh? Kinda relates to your 1st question a bit....

Answer 2

1. The shape of protein can be as essential for it's purpose as the amino acids composing the protein. The reason can be because the shape of the protein fits into it's receptor like a lock and key. Even a little thing as shaking a protein solution can 'denature' the protein and keep reactions from occurring.

2. DNA makes RNA. RNA makes the proteins. Proteins do all manner of things.

Answer 3

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