Videos

4_Mechanism of DNA Replication (Basic), 5_DNA Transcription (Basic), 6_mRNA Translation (Basic)

What molecular machine unwinds the DNA double helix during replication?

Helicase

How does helicase affect the DNA during replication?

It spins the DNA as fast as a jet engine, unwinding the double helix into two strands.

What is the difference in how the two strands of DNA are copied?

One strand is copied continuously, while the other is copied backwards in loops, one section at a time.

What is the first phase of protein synthesis called?

Transcription

What molecule is produced during transcription?

RNA

What is the role of RNA in protein synthesis?

It carries the genetic message copied from DNA to the ribosome for protein assembly.

What replaces the letter 'T' in RNA during transcription?

The letter 'U' (uracil)

What forms around the RNA to create a ribosome?

All components of a molecular machine lock together.

What is the function of the ribosome in protein synthesis?

It translates the genetic information in RNA into a string of amino acids to form a protein.

What are the small red tips attached to transfer molecules in protein synthesis?

Amino acids

How do transfer molecules function in the ribosome?

Each transfer molecule carries a three-letter code that matches with the RNA to deliver the correct amino acid.

What happens to the RNA as it is processed in the ribosome?

It is pulled through like tape, and its code is read off in sets of three letters.

What is the end product of the protein synthesis process described?

Hemoglobin

How many molecules of hemoglobin do cells in the bone marrow produce per second?

A hundred trillion molecules

What is the significance of hemoglobin in the body?

It allows muscles, the brain, and vital organs to receive the oxygen they need.