What causes a mutation in an enzyme that changes Tyrosine to Alanine?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Sarup
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mitochondria
AI Thread Summary
Mitochondrial DNA (mDNA) mutations often lead to diseases affecting the central nervous system, heart, and muscles. A specific mutation changing the amino acid Tyrosine to Alanine in an enzyme raises questions about the type of mutation responsible for this change. Understanding the codon differences for these amino acids is essential for identifying the mutation type. Additionally, when mitochondrial function is impaired, the body resorts to lactate fermentation as an alternative energy pathway, resulting in increased lactate levels in affected individuals. This process, while less efficient than normal respiration, provides rapid energy production. Further exploration of the codon translation table is necessary to address the mutation question.
Sarup
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Ok, so we all know that Mitochdiria contains its own DNA, mDNA, which codes for 13 of the approx. 80 needed proteins. We all know, that mutations in the mDNA almost always cause diseases in the central-nervous-system, heart and muscles.

Now, I've been asked the following question: One of theese mDNA mutations causes a fault in an enzyme, where the aminoacid Tyrosin has been changed to Alanin. Now, What kind of mutation could cause the changing of Tyrosin to Alanin in the enzyme?


I'm from denmark, so I'm not sure that I've translated the names of the two aminoacids correctly, but it shouldn't be a problem.

And on a sidenote: why do you often see an encreased level of laktate in the victims of this disease?

*yay - my first but definitely not last post here*
 
Last edited:
Biology news on Phys.org
First you should look at a table that show the translation of nucleic acid codon to amino acid. What is the difference between the base pair in the tyrosine and alanine codons? This should give the type of mutation. Give the answer I will confirm if it is right or wrong but you have to show some of thinking.

For the sidenote, What is is the role of mitochondria and if the mitchondrial system does not work what are metabolism pathway that are used instead? This should lead you the answer.
 
Thanks a lot for the hints.

The first you told me to do i can't do now, because i have to go to school to get the book with the table.

The other thing though, i can i right here. I thought of the solution that you pointed out, but I didn't think the answer was that simple.

The role of the mitochondria is of course to provide energy to the body. They do this via a process called respiration. Normally we do this by turning oxygen and glucosis into water, ATP and CO2, but if the mitochondrial system doesn't work, then the body finds another way out:lactate fermentation(at least i think that's the english word for it). This process does not produce a lot of energy, but it does so very fast. When the mitochondrial system fails, lactate fermentation takes over and produces energy (2 ATP) and the bi-product lactate. Hence the higher levels of lactic acid (or lactate) in the sick persons, than in the healthy ones.

I'll return with the first question tomorrow.
 

Thread 'Chagas disease now established in US'

Chagas disease, long considered only a threat abroad, is established in California and the Southern U.S. According to articles in the Los Angeles Times, "Chagas disease, long considered only a threat abroad, is established in California and the Southern U.S.", and "Kissing bugs bring deadly disease to California". LA Times requires a subscription. Related article -...
View full post »

Thread 'I need help understanding this quote about recent Natural Selection'

I am reading Nicholas Wade's book A Troublesome Inheritance. Please let's not make this thread a critique about the merits or demerits of the book. This thread is my attempt to understanding the evidence that Natural Selection in the human genome was recent and regional. On Page 103 of A Troublesome Inheritance, Wade writes the following: "The regional nature of selection was first made evident in a genomewide scan undertaken by Jonathan Pritchard, a population geneticist at the...
View full post »

Thread 'Fermentation using mixed legume and grain feedstock'

I use ethanol for cleaning glassware and resin 3D prints. The glassware is sometimes used for food. If possible, I'd prefer to only keep one grade of ethanol on hand. I've made sugar mash, but that is hardly the least expensive feedstock for ethanol. I had given some thought to using wheat flour, and for this I would need a source for amylase enzyme (relevant data, but not the core question). I am now considering animal feed that I have access to for 20 cents per pound. This is a...
View full post »

Similar threads

TFAM Protein: Investigational Treatment for Neurodegenerative Diseases?
Replies
1
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top