SECTION 1

Introduction
Cell parts
Main office
Nucleus

SECTION 2
Computers
DNA
The Bases
Base Pairing

SECTION 3
Reading DNA

HGP 
Sequence
Supercomputers
Hemoglobin 
Protein

SECTION 4
Conclusion
Learn More

The computer can even read the DNA and figure out what the amino acid sequence would be.  This tool is called SIXFRAME. If we do this for the normal beta-hemoglobin, the computer tells us the amino acid sequence is

MVHLTPEEKSAVTALWGKVNVDEVGGEALGRLLVVYPWTQRFFESFGDLSTPDAVMGNPKVKAHGKKVLG
AFSDGLAHLDNLKGTFATLSELHCDKLHVDPENFRLLGNVLVCVLAHHFGKEFTPPVQAAYQKVVAGVAN
ALAHKYH

The sequence for sickle cell anemia looks like

MVHLTPVEKSAVTAXWGKVNVDEVGGEALGRLLVVYPWTQRFFESFGDLSTPDAVMGNPKVKAHGKKVLG
AFSDGLAHLDNLKGTFATLSELHCDKLHVDPENFRLLGNVLVCVLAHHFGKEFTPPVQAAYQKVVAGVAN
ALAHKYH

Once again the sequences look a lot alike, but the protein tools allow us to compare them.

 Once again, small changes can have profound effects.  Take a look at the cells that result from the mutated version of beta-hemoglobin (on the left) relative to the healthy cell on the right.

The sickled cells are rigid and can become trapped in small capillaries causing blockage, pain, and damage to organs. Once again

One small change in DNA,

one dramatic effect on the person.