Cell Reproduction and DNA

Chromosome 10

 1) IL2RA- interleukin 2 receptor, alpha protein encoding

      IL2RA is a protein that appears on the surface of certain immune cells, and is often found along with beta and theta versions of interleukin 2 receptor. Together, they respond to interleukin 2, a chemical that bonds with the various forms of IL2R, creating chemical signals that are then transferred into the interior of the cell.

2) VIM- vimentin

     This gene encodes a protein that helps to maintain the shape and integrity of a cell's cytoplasm, and is an integral part of the cytoskeleton. It also helps transport LDL (low-density lipoprotein) out of the cell.

3) ITBG1- integrin, beta 1

    This gene encodes a protein that is part of a group of proteins (made up of alpha and beta subunits) that form receptors on the cell membrane. These receptors as a whole help with cell adhesion and recognition, as well as tissue repair, hemostasis, and immune responses.

4) RET- proto oncogene

    RET encodes a cell-surface receptor that translates signals for cell-growth and differentiation. It plays an important role in embryonic development during the formation of the neural crest, one of the important stages of tissue differentiation in embryos.

5) MAPK8- mitogen-activated protein kinase 8

    The protein this gene encodes is part of a larger family of proteins that act as integration stations for multiple biochemical signals, and are therefore involved in many cellular activities. This particular one, once activated, leads to programmed cell death, which is important in preventing tumor proliferation or genetic mutation due to UV radiation.

6) CDK1- cyclin-dependent kinase 1

     This gene creates a kinase (an enzyme that helps create energy in a cell) that works during cell reproduction, helping a cell to move from one phase of cell reproduction to another. It also works as a regulator during cell cycles.

7) PLAU- plasminogen activator, urokinase

    This gene encodes an enzyme that breaks down protein bonds in the extracellular matrix. It specifically breaks down plasminogen into another enzyme called plasmin, which circulates in the blood and breaks down various blood proteins, including those that form clots.

8) FAS- fas cell surface death receptor

    This gene creates a protein that is a receptor protein that helps to convert signals in proliferating T cells and fibroblasts. It is pivotal in programmed cell death, and is implicated in the development of various diseases of the immune system. 

9) TCF7L2- transcription factor 7-like 2 (T cell specific, HMG box)

     This is involved in the transcription of DNA within the cell. It is involved in the stabilization and maintenance of healthy glucose levels in the blood.

10) FGFR2- fibroblast growth factor receptor 2

      This gene encodes a protein that interacts with various forms of fibroblast growth factors, helping to set in motion a cascade of events that lead to cell reproduction and differentiation. These processes are involved in wound healing and embryo development, among other things. 

Genetics Blueprint Critique
1) I often found the instructions unclear and lacking in specificity. The questions did not always relate directly to the information that was shared, and there were aspects to some of the interactive exercises that were not explained. I found myself feeling frustrated at points by what the program wanted.

2) I'm not sure I learned a whole lot more than I did from the textbook or from the above lab. There was a little more about history, but it was so brief and not adequately explained, that I don't think I retained much. It was informative to play around with building the molecules, but again, I'm not sure I would've figured it out without the emailed instructions of Ms. Oellers.

3) Visually, it was appealing. It was interesting to see DNA represented in a variety of forms. I would have actually liked a bit more time spent on this aspect.

4) The questions were phrased in an odd way that made it difficult to figure out which answers were being sought. I don't feel like the writing was the best.

5) The idea of the lab is nice- going through a version of historical experiments, and then playing around with molecules and building DNA helps make things more clear. I just think it could be done better.