SECTION B:
SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
Please answer ALL of the questions in this section.
QUESTION 2
(40 MARKS]
(12)
2.0 Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in both copies
of a person's HBB gene. This gene encodes a component of haemoglobin, the oxygen-
carrying protein in red blood cells. The mutation causes haemoglobin molecules to
stick together, creating sickle-shaped red blood cells. This can lead to blood cell
rupture, anemia, recurring pain, immunodeficiency, organ damage, and early death.
Bone marrow transplants can cure SCD, but appropriate donors are hard to come by.
The procedure also carries risks of dangerous side effects.
Below is the sequence for the normal haemoglobin molecule and the haemoglobin
in SCD:
Normal mRNA sequence (HbA):
5' ACUCCUGAGGAG 3'
Mutated mRNA sequence (HbS):
5' ACUCCUGUGGAG 3'
2.1
Using the genetic code provided, write out the amino acids for HbA and HbS.
(4)
2.2
Identify the type of mutation seen in the mutated mRNA.
(1)
2.3 Why is sequencing better than RFLPto identify such a mutation.
(2)
2.4
Describe the Sanger sequencing method.
(5)
QUESTION 3
(18]
3.0
In a traditional PCR protocol, reaction components are assembled as described below.
The final volume should be 50 µL.
1. Thaw all reagents on ice.
2. Assemble reaction mix into 50 µL volume in a thin walled 0.2 ml PCRtubes.
3. Add reagents in following order: water, buffer, dNTPs, Mg CL2, template primers, Taq
polymerase.
4. Gently mix by tapping tube. Briefly centrifuge to settle tube contents.
s. Prepare negative control reaction without template DNA.
6. Prepare positive control reaction with template of known size and appropriate
primers.
3.1
Identify the reagents that form part of a "master mix".
(4)
3.2
Explain the addition of a negative and positive control and why they are prepared in
that way.
(4)
3.3
Explain important considerations when designing the primers.
(10)
Molecular Diagnostics (MOD621S)
2nd Opportunity- January 2024
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