Exercise - Cell Structure and Cell Cycle

Genetic Disorders: Phenylketonuria (PKU)1

Astro has been diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Phenylketonuria. He is missing an enzyme called
phyenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). The PAH enzyme converts an amino acid called phenylalanine to
another amino acid called tyrosine. Doctors have found high levels of phenylalanine in Astro’s blood. If
untreated, phenylketonuria can damage Astro’s brain. Your task is to help prevent Astro from becoming
mentally retarded. To do so, you have 20 minutes to complete the following tasks:

1. Locate the structures listed below. Explain how each structure is involved in production and
transport of proteins such as the PAH enzyme. *

2. Use the kit to build a DNA model of a gene that codes for a protein such as the PAH enzyme.

3. Assemble amino acids to make a protein such as the PAH enzyme.

4. Demonstrate the structure of DNA and explain how transcription occurs. ‡

Identify the following:

1. Nucleus

2. Nuclear Membrane

3. Nucleolus

4. Chromatin

5. Rough endoplasmic reticulum

6. Ribosomes

7. Golgi complex

8. Secretory vesicles

Materials

• Cell Model

• Protein synthesis kit

• DNA model

• Laptop for WileyPlus

 • Laboratory manual

* Complete the assignment in your composition book.

‡ Class presentation.
1.
The character (s) is fictional. The description of the disease/disorder is based on information from Mulvihill, M.L.; Zelman, M.; Holdaway, P.;
Tompary, E.; Turchany, J. (2000) Human Diseases. A Systemic Approach. Prentice Hall, New Jersey.
Exercise - Cell Structure and Cell Cycle

Hereditary Diseases: Cystic Fibrosis1

Elmo was born with cystic fibrosis because the egg from his mother and the sperm from his father
contained defective genes that were passed down to him. As a result, Elmo’s exocrine glands which
secrete mucus, sweat, or digestive enzymes do not function properly. His mucus is very viscous, his sweat
is excessively salty and his pancreas cannot secrete digestive enzymes properly. Elmo’s viscous mucus
blocks his airways and prevents him from breathing normally. He gets sick a lot because he is susceptible
to respiratory infections. Elmo suffers from symptoms of cystic fibrosis because his defective gene codes
for a chloride ion receptor in the plasma membrane of some of his cells that does not work properly or is
completely missing. You can help find a cure for Elmo’s disease. To do so, you have 20 minutes to
complete the following tasks:

1. Locate the structures of the plasma membrane and the cell listed below.

2. Write down the function of structures 1-5.*

3. Demonstrate all components of the plasma membrane by constructing it using play dough. ‡

4. Demonstrate how substances can cross the plasma membrane. ‡

Identify the following:

1. Plasma membrane

a. Phospholipids (heads and tails)

b. Glycoproteins

c. Glycolipids

d. Peripheral protein

e. Integral protein

f. Cholesterol

2. Cytosol

3. Microvilli

4. Cilia

5. Flagella
Materials

• Cell model

• Play Dough and trays

• Laptop for WileyPlus

• Laboratory manual

* Complete the assignment in your composition book.

‡ Class presentation.
1.
The character (s) is fictional. The description of the disease/disorder is based on information from Mulvihill, M.L.; Zelman, M.; Holdaway, P.;
Tompary, E.; Turchany, J. (2000) Human Diseases. A Systemic Approach. Prentice Hall, New Jersey.
Exercise - Cell Structure and Cell Cycle

Hereditary Diseases: Down’s Syndrome1

Milo has Down’s Syndrome. She was born with an extra autosomal chromosome. When cells in Milo’s
body divide by mitosis, they produce two daughter cells each having 3 copies of chromosome 21 instead
of 2 copies found in normal children. The extra chromosome in Milo’s cells resulted from errors in
meiosis that produced either the egg from Milo’s mother or the sperm from Milo’s father. The extra
chromosome in Milo’s cells may cause excessive enzyme (protein) production which damages her brain.
As a result, Milo is mentally retarded. She expresses her emotions well, but she can only learn to do
simple tasks. She may not live very long because she may develop heart and respiratory diseases or die
from leukemia. You can help find a cure for Milo’s disorder. To do so, you have 20 minutes to complete
the following tasks:

1. Locate the structures and the stages listed below.

2. Demonstrate how mitosis occurs. ‡

3. Describe the differences between mitosis and meiosis.*

Identify the following:

Structures

1. Nucleus

2. Nucleolus

3. Nuclear membrane (envelope)

4. Centrioles

5. Chromatin

6. Sister Chromatids

7. Centromere

8. Spindle fiber

Stages

1. Interphase

2. Prophase

3. Metaphase
 4. Anaphase

5. Telophase

Materials

• Mitosis models

• Meiosis models

• Laptop for WileyPlus

• Laboratory manual
* Complete the assignment in your composition book.
‡ Class presentation.
1.
The character (s) is fictional. The description of the disease/disorder is based on information from Mulvihill, M.L.; Zelman, M.; Holdaway, P.;
Tompary, E.; Turchany, J. (2000) Human Diseases. A Systemic Approach. Prentice Hall, New Jersey.