Edexcel GCSE Biology 1BI0
Key Concepts in Biology
Cells and Control
Genetics
Natural Selection and Genetic Modification
Health, Disease and the Development of Medicines
Plant Structures and Their Functions
Animal Coordination, Control and Homeostasis
Exchange and Transport in Animals
Ecosystems and Material Cycles
Genetics
Genetic variants in coding and non-coding DNA
- 3 things to know
- Paper 1
Overview
Where the non-coding DNA lies, how a variant there changes how much protein is made, and how a variant in coding DNA alters the amino acid sequence and the protein's activity.
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
A change occurs in a stretch of DNA that does not code for any protein, yet the organism's characteristics change. Explain how this is possible.
What is the effect on protein production if a non-coding variant makes RNA polymerase bind more easily?
Questions from this subtopic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
Where is the non-coding DNA that controls a gene found?
Model answer
It is found in front of the gene it controls.
- 2
A change occurs in a stretch of DNA that does not code for any protein, yet the organism's characteristics change. Explain how this is possible.
Model answer
The change alters how easily RNA polymerase attaches to the DNA, so more or less of the protein is made even though the protein itself is unaltered.
- 3
What is the effect on protein production if a non-coding variant makes RNA polymerase bind more easily?
Model answer
More mRNA is transcribed, so more of that protein is produced.
- 4
What is the effect on protein production if a non-coding variant stops RNA polymerase binding?
Model answer
The gene is not transcribed, so little or none of that protein is produced.
- 5
Does a variant in non-coding DNA change the amino acid sequence of the protein?
Model answer
No, it changes how much of the protein is made rather than its structure.
- 6
A person makes an unusually small quantity of a normal working enzyme. Suggest where the genetic variant responsible lies.
Model answer
It lies in the non-coding DNA in front of the gene, reducing the binding of RNA polymerase.
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