WVGSA Grade 8 Science Practice Questions - West Virginia General Summative Assessment Grade 8 Science Exam

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A gene mutation substitutes a single DNA nucleotide, changing a codon from GAG (coding for glutamic acid) to GUG (coding for valine) in hemoglobin protein synthesis. How does this point mutation alter red blood cell function in sickle cell anemia?

The altered amino acid changes protein folding, causing hemoglobin to clump into rigid rods that deform red blood cells The mutation prevents ribosomes from reading any mRNA molecules The mutation destroys the cell membrane of white blood cells The single nucleotide change is silent and produces normal hemoglobin

Correct Answer:

The altered amino acid changes protein folding, causing hemoglobin to clump into rigid rods that deform red blood cells

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