Genetics: DNA, RNA, Transcription, and Mutations Overview

DNA

A complex molecule containing genetic information

Replication

Copying DNA by cutting out a part and replicating it

RNA

A single-stranded nucleic acid that passes along genetic messages

Transcription

When DNA is copied into RNA

Codon

a sequence of three nucleotides together that form a unit of genetic code.

Mutation

a random error in gene replication or chromosomes

mRNA

Messenger RNA, carries instructions from the DNA to proteins.

rRNA

ribosomal RNA; combines with proteins to form ribosomes

tRNA

Transfer RNA, carries amino acids to the ribosomes

Purine

A nitrogenous base that has a double ring structure; adenine and guanine.

Pyrimidines

A nitrogenous base that has a single ring structure; thymine and cytosine

What is the purpose of DNA?

Hold genetic information

What is the structure of DNA and where is it located?*

Double helix, in the nucleus.

What are the DNA bases and what do they pair with?*

Adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine, adenine+thymine and guanine+cytosine

Describe the why, where, and when of DNA replication.

Why: to replicate cells. Where: Nucleus. When: Interphase synthesis phase

What is the DNA replication process?

the process by which a double-stranded DNA molecule is copied to produce two identical DNA molecules

What is the structure of RNA and where is it located?*

Single helix, Nucleus or cytoplasm.

What is the purpose of RNA?

Protein synthesis and send messages for the DNA

What are the three types of RNA? Describe the function of each one.

tRNA: transport amino acids to the ribosome. mRNA: relays information to proteins. rRNA: combines with ribosomes to make proteins.

Compare and contrast DNA and RNA.

DNA: double helix, deoxyribose, cant leave nucleus, has all instructions, holds genetic info. RNA: single helix, ribose, can traverse nucleus, delivers and transfers instructions, helps replicate DNA.

What are the RNA bases and what do they pair with? How is this different than DNA?*

Adenine+uracil, guanine+cytosine. In RNA uracil replaces thymine

What is the why and where of DNA transcription?

Transcription takes place in the nucleus. It uses DNA as a template to make an RNA (mRNA) molecule. During transcription, a strand of mRNA is made that is complementary to a strand of DNA.

Describe the process of DNA transcription.

DNA is copied and turned into mRNA, then RNA is translated into amino acids, which form proteins

How do you use a codon chart?

Read the mRNA in sets of 3 bases to determine the amino acid that they translate into- the amino acids form a chain which becomes a protein

What is RNA translation? What is the process?

Translation is the process when a protein is synthesized from the information contained in a molecule of mRNA. Then a tRNA molecule carrying an amino acid binds to what is called the start codon of the mRNA sequence.

What is a chromosomal mutation?

A change in the number or structure of chromosomes

List the different types of chromosomal mutations.*

Nondisjunction, deletion, inversion, translocation,

Explain gene mutation.

a change to a gene's DNA sequence to produce something different

List the different types of gene mutation.

Point and frameshift