DNA and Protein Synthesis, IB Bio SL

What is Taq DNA polymerase and why is it important?

• Taq DNA polymerase is stable at high temperatures and is used in PCR (process of replicating DNA in a lab setting).

• Taq and PCR has resulted in numerous biological discoveries

Distinguish between eukaryotic and prokaryotic chromosomes.

• Eukaryotic chromosomes are wound around histone proteins but prokaryotic chromosomes are not

• Chromosomes are linear in eukaryotes and circular in prokaryotes

• Found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells but in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells

Describe what DNA polymerase does

• Forms new strand of DNA by bonding nucleotides (forms covalent bonds)

• Uses the existing DNA strand as a template

What is the name of the chemist who discovered that A = T and C = G

Chargaff

Define codon

Three bases on mRNA that code for one amino acid

Outline translation

• mRNA leaves the nucleus and attaches to a ribosome (rRNA)

• First tRNA with anticodon enters ribosome and bonds temporarily with the mRNA (start codon)

• 2nd tRNA enters the ribosome and bonds temporarily with the mRNA

• First amino acid on opposite end of tRNA forms a bond with the second amino acid

• First amino acid detaches from first tRNA and first tRNA leaves ribosome

• This process continues until a stop codon is reached

• Chain of amino acids detaches and is transported to the Golgi apparatus