Final answer:
Whether a similar protein will be made after a change in DNA depends on the nature of the change; some DNA mutations can significantly alter the protein, while others might have no effect due to the redundancy of the genetic code.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the information in a cell's DNA is changed, will a similar protein still be made? The answer to this is not straightforward; it can be true or false depending on the nature of the change. DNA serves as the source of genetic information for the synthesis of all cellular proteins, which include both structural proteins and enzymes. These proteins are crucial for the development and functioning of an organism.
During the process of protein synthesis, DNA is transcribed into mRNA in the nucleus. The mRNA then exits the nucleus and directs the assembly of proteins on ribosomes in the cytoplasm. A change in the DNA sequence can lead to a change in the mRNA sequence, which may result in a different protein being made. If a change in DNA occurs in a region that codes for a protein, even a single nucleotide change can have significant effects, potentially altering the function of the protein. This is known as a mutation.
However, not all changes to the DNA sequence will result in a different protein. Some DNA mutations are silent, meaning they do not alter the amino acid sequence of the protein. This is due to the redundancy of the genetic code, where several codons can code for the same amino acid. Therefore, the impact of a DNA change on protein production depends on the specific details of the mutation.
It's important to remember that while the central dogma of molecular biology (DNA → RNA → Protein) suggests a direct flow of genetic information, the relationship between DNA changes and protein production can be complex and varied.