Aligning gene sequence motif and gene sequence to identify gene of interest

Aim: We need to identify which gene is responsible for the Collagen protein so we can investigate its role in the ageing process of cells. To help I have found a short DNA motif that is only found in the Collagen gene. I have also narrowed down the options to just four possible candidates.

DNA Facts:

• DNA is found in the nucleus of cells and contains the instructions for ALL the proteins that our cells need to make up the human body
• DNA is made up of four bases: a, g, t, and c.
• DNA code is read in 3-base steps called “Codons”
• Reading these codons in 3-base steps starting with the 1st DNA base is called reading “in-frame”, if you don’t start reading from the 1st DNA base you are reading “out-of-frame”.
• Sequence motifs are short, recurring patterns in DNA that are presumed to have a biological function. Some motifs may not be in frame with the original DNA code
• Matching up two DNA sequences together is called “Alignment” and is like using the search function in Word. Typically, this is done by scientists using computer software.