DNA, RNA, and Protein Synthesis Lecture Review

Practice questions covering DNA/RNA structure, replication, transcription, translation, and genetic engineering based on lecture notes.

What are the structural components of DNA?

DNA is double-stranded (double helix), contains deoxyribose sugar, and uses the bases A, T, C, and G.

Where can DNA be found in a cell?

DNA is found in the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts.

What are the structural features and functions of RNA?

RNA is single-stranded, contains ribose sugar, uses the bases A, U, C, and G, and is involved in protein synthesis.

Where is RNA found within the cell?

RNA is found in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and ribosomes.

What is the function of mRNA?

mRNA carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes.

What is the function of tRNA?

tRNA brings amino acids to the ribosome and contains an anticodon.

What is the function of rRNA?

rRNA forms part of the ribosome.

What are the base pairing rules for DNA?

A pairs with T, and C pairs with G.

What are the base pairing rules for RNA?

A pairs with U, and C pairs with G.

What is replication and where does it occur?

Replication is the process where DNA copies itself before cell division, occurring in the nucleus.

What enzyme is responsible for DNA replication?

DNA polymerase.

Define semiconservative replication.

Each new DNA molecule contains one original strand and one new strand.

What is transcription and where does it occur?

Transcription is the process of making mRNA from DNA, which occurs in the nucleus.

What enzyme is used during transcription?

RNA polymerase.

What is translation and where does it occur?

Translation is the process of synthesizing a protein from mRNA, which occurs at the ribosomes.

What four components are required for translation?

mRNA, tRNA, ribosomes, and amino acids.

What is a codon?

A codon consists of three bases on mRNA that code for one amino acid.

What is an anticodon?

An anticodon consists of three bases on tRNA that are complementary to an mRNA codon.

What does it mean for DNA strands to be antiparallel?

One strand runs $5' \rightarrow 3'$ while the other strand runs $3' \rightarrow 5'$.

What is Chargaff's Rule?

$\%A = \%T$ and $\%C = \%G$.

What does it mean for the genetic code to be universal?

The same codons code for the same amino acids in almost all organisms.

What is the function of DNA ligase?

DNA ligase joins DNA fragments together.

What is the function of restriction enzymes?

Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sequences.

What does PCR stand for and what is its purpose?

PCR stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction, and it is used to amplify DNA fragments.

In genetic engineering, what is a vector?

A vector is usually a virus used to transfer DNA into cells.

Which microorganism is used for bread fermentation?

Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast).

What are the specific cell locations for replication, transcription, and translation?

Replication and transcription occur in the nucleus, while translation occurs at the ribosomes.