Module 7 Lesson 3 - 1
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Lesson 3 — Protein Synthesis
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Got milk? Not if you can't produce lactase!
Many people are unable to drink dairy products because these products contain lactose. One reason for the intolerance is that their bodies are unable to produce the lactase enzyme. Having the genetic code in our cells may not be enough because the instruction on our chromosomes must be expressed.
The lactase enzyme is an example of a protein that is expressed through a process called protein synthesis. We cannot survive without proteins. Some humans cannot make certain proteins, such as lactase.
In contrast, what would happen if we could make extra proteins? For instance, what if we had the ability to make silk as Spiderman does. Some goats in Quebec have that ability; perhaps, one day we will, too!
Many people are unable to drink dairy products because these products contain lactose. One reason for the intolerance is that their bodies are unable to produce the lactase enzyme. Having the genetic code in our cells may not be enough because the instruction on our chromosomes must be expressed.
The lactase enzyme is an example of a protein that is expressed through a process called protein synthesis. We cannot survive without proteins. Some humans cannot make certain proteins, such as lactase.
In contrast, what would happen if we could make extra proteins? For instance, what if we had the ability to make silk as Spiderman does. Some goats in Quebec have that ability; perhaps, one day we will, too!
This lesson addresses one focusing question:
- How is the genetic code in DNA copied and used to assemble amino acids into proteins?
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