Evidence of Work
How are diseases caused? How do proteins impact a disease? What steps in protein synthesis lead to the creation of a disease? These are just some of the questions that our STEM class set out to answer during this Protein to Disease project, spending the course of over a week truly delving into a disease of our choosing. Prior to the execution of this project, our class spent a good deal of time researching the concepts of Central Dogma, as well as the processes of Protein Synthesis that went along with it. From this, we applied our newfound knowledge to investigate a disease of our choosing. My group decided to investigate Type 2 Diabetes, a disease that we believed to be rather well known in today’s modern society due to the massive influx in cases of obesity and what not in our country today. We took a genuine interest in our disease, and were truly fascinated by what we found throughout the course of the project.
Each individual group in class was given a rather large amount of freedom on this project in terms of how the information was presented. While some groups made movies and others made podcasts, our group decided to condense all of our information into a poster about Type 2 Diabetes, along with a parody song about diabetes to the tune of the song Tati by 6ix9ine. Throughout the period of allotted time we were given to do this project our group spent time doing research, recording our beat, and making sure our poster looked as neat and colorful as possible.
As a short introduction, it is important to understand a bit of background information regarding Type 2 Diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition that impacts the way that the human body processes blood sugar. The main protein in Type 2 Diabetes is something called insulin, which in a normal human body is excreted from the pancreas and in the most basic essence manages blood sugar. However, a person with Type 2 Diabetes, is unable to secrete their insulin correctly and their body has also become resistant to it, thus making their capability to manage their levels of blood sugar nil. Some symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes include increased thirst and frequent urination, increased hunger, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores or frequent infections, and areas of darkened skin. People who are likely to get Type 2 Diabetes include older people, people who live a less active lifestyle, and people who are overweight or obese. While there are no true cures currently available, some treatments for managing the disease include eating healthy, regularly exercising, and even taking shots of insulin to help maintain sugar levels.
The research element of the project was by far one of the most (if not the most) important parts of the project. Our group found it imperative that we do the proper research on our disease and the biological processes surrounding it, in order for us to do a more adequate job of presenting the information. Matter of fact, most of the time was just spent doing research on Type 2 Diabetes, using many different sources that we deemed to be reliable. When doing the research for our project, all groups in the class were guided by a few basic questions. Those were:
Each individual group in class was given a rather large amount of freedom on this project in terms of how the information was presented. While some groups made movies and others made podcasts, our group decided to condense all of our information into a poster about Type 2 Diabetes, along with a parody song about diabetes to the tune of the song Tati by 6ix9ine. Throughout the period of allotted time we were given to do this project our group spent time doing research, recording our beat, and making sure our poster looked as neat and colorful as possible.
As a short introduction, it is important to understand a bit of background information regarding Type 2 Diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition that impacts the way that the human body processes blood sugar. The main protein in Type 2 Diabetes is something called insulin, which in a normal human body is excreted from the pancreas and in the most basic essence manages blood sugar. However, a person with Type 2 Diabetes, is unable to secrete their insulin correctly and their body has also become resistant to it, thus making their capability to manage their levels of blood sugar nil. Some symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes include increased thirst and frequent urination, increased hunger, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores or frequent infections, and areas of darkened skin. People who are likely to get Type 2 Diabetes include older people, people who live a less active lifestyle, and people who are overweight or obese. While there are no true cures currently available, some treatments for managing the disease include eating healthy, regularly exercising, and even taking shots of insulin to help maintain sugar levels.
The research element of the project was by far one of the most (if not the most) important parts of the project. Our group found it imperative that we do the proper research on our disease and the biological processes surrounding it, in order for us to do a more adequate job of presenting the information. Matter of fact, most of the time was just spent doing research on Type 2 Diabetes, using many different sources that we deemed to be reliable. When doing the research for our project, all groups in the class were guided by a few basic questions. Those were:
- What is it?
- What parts of the body does it affect, symptoms?
- What protein is affected?
- Who is likely to get it?
- What are the treatments? Cure?
- What are the barriers to curing it?
- Any interesting research going on now?
- What is happening→ how and why?
- Where is it happening?
- What are the major players?
- What is the code/ sequence?
- End with a 3D model of the protein
Content
Central Dogma of Biology: One of the most basic, yet crucial concepts involved in the study of biology is the idea of Central Dogma. In essence, Central Dogma constitutes protein synthesis, and states that DNA becomes RNA through a special process called transcription, and the RNA is turned into a protein through another special process called translation. Once the processes of transcription and translation take place, the protein is folded in order to first and foremost take its final 3D shape, and in addition, become actually functional. Because proteins are highly necessary for our bodily functions, this concept of Central Dogma is so important, because it shows how many basic parts of our body (ie. DNA and the organelles) are utilized to help us in our daily lives.
Protein Synthesis: As stated earlier in Central Dogma, protein synthesis is a very basic yet vital function needed for life to exist. As the name would suggest, protein synthesis is the process by which protein is made, where DNA goes from RNA, and RNA is turned into a protein, all done through specialized operations known as translation and transcription. These are also accompanied by a folding action where the protein takes its shape and becomes truly functional. During this protein synthesis, certain things can go wrong with the protein, whether it be that the RNA does not translate correctly, or the protein is not folded in the right manner. These errors can cause a diseased protein. Below, we will go in depth on the different steps of protein synthesis.
Anticodon: For each specific codon involved in the process of creating a protein, there is an anticodon that corresponds with it. Anticodons are important due to the fact that they are responsible for telling what amino acids from the codons will be utilized. Anticodons are, like regular codons, produced of nucleotides, and are found in tRNA.
Nucleotide: As stated above, nucleotides make up codons and anticodons, and each group of three nucleotides identifies a certain type of amino acid to be utilized in the protein making process. Thus, they are vital to protein synthesis.
Polymerase: Polymerase is an enzyme that connects complementary RNA bases to the DNA. The polymerase is able to do this by unzipping the DNA and making almost a mirrored copy of it, creating mRNA. Polymerase is mainly used in the first step of transcription.
Polypeptide chain: A polypeptide chain is a linked group of amino acids, created when corresponding codons and anticodons combine. The polypeptide chain is in essence the basic protein, as it goes through folding eventually in order to become functional and gain its 3D shape. A complete polypeptide chain is formed at the end of the translation process in protein synthesis.
Protein: Proteins are responsible for most basic bodily functions. For example, for our project we decided to investigate the protein insulin which is used to manage levels of blood sugar in the body. Proteins are composed of amino acids, and after transcription and translation, the chains created by amino acids are folded to make a final protein.
Alpha Helix: The alpha helix is a shape created by the amino acids in a polypeptide chain, characterized by something resembling a corkscrew shape. When protein goes through the folding process, it can take an alpha helix shape.
Beta sheet: Beta sheets are also another shape created by a protein, characterized as being flat and folded. When protein goes through the folding process, it can take an alpha helix shape.
Amino acids: Amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins. As stated before, the polypeptide chains that make up proteins are composed of amino acids. Thus, without amino acids, there can be no protein.
Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition that impacts the way that the human body processes blood sugar.
Insulin: Insulin is a protein excreted from the pancreas, used to manage blood sugar levels in the human body.
RNA: RNA (ribonucleic acid) is a nucleic acid used in genetic coding, and in our cases, creating proteins. RNA has a single helix shape as opposed to that of DNA which has a double helix. Two main types of RNA are mRNA and tRNA. mRNA is used to relay needed genetic information in order to make proteins. It directs the functions that make a protein, and creates a single strand copy of DNA to be utilized. tRNA on the other hand carries amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins. The mRNA directs the tRNA on how to link together in polypeptide chains with the usage of the nucleotides it possesses.
Protein Synthesis: As stated earlier in Central Dogma, protein synthesis is a very basic yet vital function needed for life to exist. As the name would suggest, protein synthesis is the process by which protein is made, where DNA goes from RNA, and RNA is turned into a protein, all done through specialized operations known as translation and transcription. These are also accompanied by a folding action where the protein takes its shape and becomes truly functional. During this protein synthesis, certain things can go wrong with the protein, whether it be that the RNA does not translate correctly, or the protein is not folded in the right manner. These errors can cause a diseased protein. Below, we will go in depth on the different steps of protein synthesis.
- Transcription
- The first step of Transcription takes place in the nucleus where the DNA is located.
- DNA is decoded into mRNA. This happens with the help of RNA polymerase (an enzyme) that connects complementary RNA bases to the DNA. The polymerase is able to do this by unzipping the DNA and making almost a mirrored copy of it, creating mRNA. It is important to note that the m in mRNA stands for messenger.
- RNA bases create mRNA. mRNA leaves the nucleus, goes to the cytoplasm and travels to a ribosome. Because mRNA is single stranded, it is able to travel through pores in the nucleus and into the cytoplasm, sending its information to the ribosome. That is why it is known as messenger RNA.
- It is important to note that ribosomes are composed of something known as rRNA, with the r standing for ribosomal.
- The first step of Transcription takes place in the nucleus where the DNA is located.
- Translation
- tRNA (transfer RNA) is found in the cytoplasm and carries an amino acid. This is important, as amino acids are the very building blocks that make up protein.
- The mRNA dictates what amino acids from tRNA are utilized to make the protein.
- The tRNA attaches to complementary bases on mRNA, forming a chain.
- The mRNA reads the bases of the tRNA in triplets, based on what nucleotides they are made of. These groups of three are known as codons.
- Different types codons apply to different amino acids. Thus different amino acids are found on this chain.
- Amino acids link together in a peptide bond. This is known as a polypeptide chain and it makes up the protein;
- The process described above takes place in the ribosome, the organelle where proteins are created.
- tRNA (transfer RNA) is found in the cytoplasm and carries an amino acid. This is important, as amino acids are the very building blocks that make up protein.
- Folding
- The folding of protein is vital to its creation, as the folding process gives the protein shape and the ability to actually function
- There are 4 parts of the folding process of a protein
- Primary
- Secondary
- Tertiary
- Quaternary
- Primary
- Primary
- In the primary stage, the protein is simply the polypeptide chain from translation, except it is now in the cytoplasm.
- In the primary stage, the protein is simply the polypeptide chain from translation, except it is now in the cytoplasm.
- Secondary
- The protein begins to fold in the rough ER.
- Through the folding, it forms the secondary structures of A Helix and B Sheets.
- The protein begins to fold in the rough ER.
- Tertiary
- More folding takes place, based on the hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts of the protein. The corresponding hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts attract each other
- This takes place in the ER and golgi apparatus.
- More folding takes place, based on the hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts of the protein. The corresponding hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts attract each other
- Quaternary
- From the golgi, the protein is transferred where it is needed.
- Because type 2 diabetes has a problem with insulin being secreted from the pancreas, this is where the problem takes place.
- From the golgi, the protein is transferred where it is needed.
- The folding of protein is vital to its creation, as the folding process gives the protein shape and the ability to actually function
Anticodon: For each specific codon involved in the process of creating a protein, there is an anticodon that corresponds with it. Anticodons are important due to the fact that they are responsible for telling what amino acids from the codons will be utilized. Anticodons are, like regular codons, produced of nucleotides, and are found in tRNA.
Nucleotide: As stated above, nucleotides make up codons and anticodons, and each group of three nucleotides identifies a certain type of amino acid to be utilized in the protein making process. Thus, they are vital to protein synthesis.
Polymerase: Polymerase is an enzyme that connects complementary RNA bases to the DNA. The polymerase is able to do this by unzipping the DNA and making almost a mirrored copy of it, creating mRNA. Polymerase is mainly used in the first step of transcription.
Polypeptide chain: A polypeptide chain is a linked group of amino acids, created when corresponding codons and anticodons combine. The polypeptide chain is in essence the basic protein, as it goes through folding eventually in order to become functional and gain its 3D shape. A complete polypeptide chain is formed at the end of the translation process in protein synthesis.
Protein: Proteins are responsible for most basic bodily functions. For example, for our project we decided to investigate the protein insulin which is used to manage levels of blood sugar in the body. Proteins are composed of amino acids, and after transcription and translation, the chains created by amino acids are folded to make a final protein.
Alpha Helix: The alpha helix is a shape created by the amino acids in a polypeptide chain, characterized by something resembling a corkscrew shape. When protein goes through the folding process, it can take an alpha helix shape.
Beta sheet: Beta sheets are also another shape created by a protein, characterized as being flat and folded. When protein goes through the folding process, it can take an alpha helix shape.
Amino acids: Amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins. As stated before, the polypeptide chains that make up proteins are composed of amino acids. Thus, without amino acids, there can be no protein.
Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition that impacts the way that the human body processes blood sugar.
Insulin: Insulin is a protein excreted from the pancreas, used to manage blood sugar levels in the human body.
RNA: RNA (ribonucleic acid) is a nucleic acid used in genetic coding, and in our cases, creating proteins. RNA has a single helix shape as opposed to that of DNA which has a double helix. Two main types of RNA are mRNA and tRNA. mRNA is used to relay needed genetic information in order to make proteins. It directs the functions that make a protein, and creates a single strand copy of DNA to be utilized. tRNA on the other hand carries amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins. The mRNA directs the tRNA on how to link together in polypeptide chains with the usage of the nucleotides it possesses.
Reflection
This second STEM project of the year was very fun and interesting, however, the work that we did was very different from that which I am accustomed to. In past semesters and projects of STEM, I have become rather used to using information readily given, and putting a spin on it in order to present it. However, for this STEM project, I was involved in much more actual research. Most of the project that we did revolved around looking up our given protein, and I have never quite done this amount of deep scientific research before, so it was a welcome challenge and a nice change. I enjoyed how we were still able to put our own creative spin on the project, while learning a great deal about protein synthesis.
As I do more projects in STEM, I always find myself progressively improving on certain aspects of my work, while also noticing areas that in much need of improvement. One of these such areas where I believe I definitely succeeded was in my attempt at becoming a stronger leader. I believe that throughout the project, I did a good job delegating roles to each of my group members, in an effort to get everyone involved and get the job done on time. For example, I found myself taking charge in the area of the song, while instructing Izzy and Simon to do the poster, and having Chris research needed topics. This helped us as a group as it all allowed us to contribute equally, bringing us together and making us prouder of our work. Another area in which I believe I improved was the area of researching, which I talked about earlier. As I said, this was a very research heavy project, and I have not quite done anything like it in STEM. The topics that we were looking into were very complex, and it was very easy to understand things incorrectly. That being said, I believe that I did a very good job of honing my researching skills. I was able to scour my available resources for good information, helping our group have a better, more comprehensive project. For example, since our group was researching diabetes, I was able to successfully find the reason why the insulin does not function properly, being that it is not excreted in the correct manner from the pancreas. While these are two areas that I did very well on, there are also areas where I could definitely improve. One of these areas is staying on task. Throughout the project, I found myself wandering from group to group, socializing with my other friends. This would take me off my work, thus significantly decreasing my productivity. For example, I would often move around to Sean and Chapin, leaving my desk to play games with them. In the future, I believe that I can solve this issue by sitting alone until I have finished all my work. I will achieve this by specifically choosing a seat where I know that I will not be distracted. This will help me get my work done faster and with more quality. Another area that I believe that I can improve on is the area of being more willing to help my other group members. I would have a tendency during the project to focus on my own work too much, not being able to truly get involved with my other group members when they needed help with their parts of the project. For example, when Simon would ask for help with the poster, I was a bit reluctant to help and did not provide that much assistance. In the future, I would like to address this by being more involved with my other group members from the get go, so will take a genuine interest in what they are doing, thus allowing me to be more eager to provide help. |