Lecture 13: Genes and GMOs

Nucleic acid

a type of macromolecule that contain info on how to build and code for proteins

monomer of nucleic acids

• nucleotides made up of a phosphate group, sugar, and a nitrogenous base (determines what nucleotide is)

• when they are polymerized, you are basically making a bond between the phosphate and the sugar itself (using dehydration synthesis)

polymers of nucleic acids

DNA (double stranded) and RNA (single stranded)

general process of how info stored in DNA is expressed to create an organism

• First step: DNA undergoes transcription where it makes a strand of RNA

• Second step: once the RNA is made, it undergoes translation to turn into protein

• DNA —> RNA —> Protein

DNA

• genetic info stored in the nucleus in eukaryotes to protect it from damage

• Stored in long chains wrapped up

chromosomes

condensed package of DNA represented by “n”

chromosomes in humans

• Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes

• We have two copies of each (so we’re diploid (2N))

genotype

the complete genetic make-up of an organism

enzyme used in transcription

RNA polymerase —> Reads one of the strands of RNA to make messenger RNA that leaves the nucleus

RNA

• Single stranded DNA that transfers info from the DNA to outside the nucleus, used to make proteins

• 2 main types: mRNA and tRNA

translation

• uses RNA as a basis to build up proteins

• done by mRNA, ribosome, tRNA

mRNA role in translation

• brings information from DNA

• Is read at three nucleotides at a time (=codon)

ribosome role in translation

• facilitates the building of proteins

• match tRNA to mRNA, amino acids are then bound together into a polypeptide

tRNA role in translation

(transfer RNA)

• Matches to the mRNA with their own nucleotides

• Carries a specific amino acid

transcription

• uses RNA polymerase

• reads the strand of DNA

• builds up the strand of messenger RNA

• mRNA leaves the nucleus

translation

• uses RNA as a basis to build up proteins

• mRNA brings info from DNA; is read at three nucleotides at a time

• ribosome builds the proteins

• tRNA matches to the mRNA with their own nucleotides and carry a specific amino acid

• Protein is then allowed to fold properly

• Protein is then used to build everything in your body

• Proteins lead to physical traits

  • AKA Phenotype