Class Journal Week 2

Katie Miller

Reflection Questions

1. What is the biggest discovery I made from these readings?
2. What part of the readings did I understand the least?
3. What is the relationship between the genetic code and a computer code?

Kmill104 (talk) 12:33, 24 January 2024 (PST)

Charlotte Kaplan

Reflection Questions

• What is the biggest discovery that I made from these readings?

The major discovery from these readings is the author's confirmation that messenger RNA is essential for protein synthesis within cells. Through experiments utilizing bacterial extracts and ribosomes, the author investigated the role of RNA and DNA in protein production. Using a more sensitive test, they determined that only RNA from ribosomes, not DNA, played a key role in facilitating protein synthesis. This finding significantly advanced our understanding of cellular processes. The author also highlighted methodological enhancements, including the freezing of extracts and process optimization, which contributed to the overall effectiveness of their research (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0968000403003025)

• What part of the readings did I understand the least?

The confusing aspects to me in the reading came from the details surrounding the chemical diversity of proteins. The focus on amino acids, with their varied structures and unique side chains R groups is challenging to grasp, especially considering the many sizes and complexities involved. The introduction of the additional amino acid selenocysteine and its role during protein synthesis guided by a modified genetic code interpretation adds a layer of complexity. The discussion of modifications during protein processing, including acetylation, phosphorylation, and the attachment of large side chains with sugar units, was confusing to me. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21121/#A5818

• What is the relationship between the genetic code and a computer code?

The connection between the genetic code and a computer code both have sets of instructions, but they work in different areas. The genetic code is a set of rules in biology that tells cells how to make proteins from DNA. On the other hand, a computer code is a set of instructions in a language computers understand. It tells computers what to do, like processing data or performing tasks. Both involve giving instructions for specific outcomes.

References

Brown, T.A. (2002) Genomes 2, Ch. 3.3.2: The link between the transcriptome and the proteome (freely available on NCBI Bookshelf)

Nirenberg, M. (2004) Deciphering the Genetic Code—a Personal Account. Trends in Biochemical Sciences 29: 46-54. DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2003.11.009 (also on Brightspace)

Kaji, A., Kaji, H. (2004) The history of deciphering the genetic code: setting the record straight.

Trends in Biochemical Sciences 29: 293. DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2004.04.005 (also on Brightspace)

Moody, G. (2004) Digital Code of Life, Chapter 1, Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, pp. 1-9. (on Brightspace)

Hayes, B. (2004) Ode to the Code, American Scientist 92: 494-498. (on Brightspace)

I worked with my homework partner Katie Miller. We communicated over iMessage. Ckapla12 (talk) 17:33, 24 January 2024 (PST)