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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.

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Key term

Compare how variants in coding and non-coding DNA affect the protein a gene produces.

Key term

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.

Key term

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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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