b3 b 01 worksheet 1 
1 Protein function
a) Describe the function of these proteins.
(i) collagen ___________________________________________________________
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(ii) insulin_____________________________________________________________
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(iii) haemoglobin________________________________________________________
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(iv) the enzyme amylase _________________________________________________
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2 Mutations
Mutations are changes to the DNA. They can happen spontaneously or be caused by different factors.
Write down two factors that could cause a mutation.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
b) Look at the list of mutations.
(i) Discuss in your groups if you think they would benefit or harm a species?
Albino rabbits – The gene that gives skin colour mutates; the result is a white rabbit.
Cystic fibrosis – A gene for an important protein is changed; the result is a human with breathing problems.
Dark moths – A type of moth that is normally peppered in colour becomes dark; the result is better camouflage on dark-coloured trees but they show up on most light-coloured trees. During the industrial revolution, many trees were dark due to pollution; now most trees are light in colour.
Resistant bacteria – Some bacteria have mutated to become resistant to antibiotics.
Sickle cell anaemia – A mutation that makes people ill but stops them catching a fatal disease called malaria.
(ii) Write a summary of your discussion.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
a) Describe the function of these proteins.
(i) collagen ___________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(ii) insulin_____________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(iii) haemoglobin________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
(iv) the enzyme amylase _________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2 Mutations
Mutations are changes to the DNA. They can happen spontaneously or be caused by different factors.
Write down two factors that could cause a mutation.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
b) Look at the list of mutations.
(i) Discuss in your groups if you think they would benefit or harm a species?
Albino rabbits – The gene that gives skin colour mutates; the result is a white rabbit.
Cystic fibrosis – A gene for an important protein is changed; the result is a human with breathing problems.
Dark moths – A type of moth that is normally peppered in colour becomes dark; the result is better camouflage on dark-coloured trees but they show up on most light-coloured trees. During the industrial revolution, many trees were dark due to pollution; now most trees are light in colour.
Resistant bacteria – Some bacteria have mutated to become resistant to antibiotics.
Sickle cell anaemia – A mutation that makes people ill but stops them catching a fatal disease called malaria.
(ii) Write a summary of your discussion.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________