DNA Biology and Technology Notes

DNA Biology and Technology

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

• DNA serves as the genetic material containing instructions for organisms to develop, survive, and reproduce.

Genetic Engineering

• Genetic engineering involves the use of DNA technology to modify an organism's genes.
• This is a form of biotechnology.

RNA

• mRNA (messenger RNA) moves the passed DNA code to the ribosomes containing ribosomal RNA.
• tRNA (transfer RNA) brings the amino acids to the ribosomes.

Complementary DNA Strand

• Given a DNA sequence, we can determine its complementary strand. For example, if we have the strand ACCAGT, its complement is TGGTCA.

DNA Structure

• Sugar and phosphate molecules form the backbone of DNA.
• The "rungs" of the DNA ladder are hydrogen-bonded bases.
• Hydrogen bonds are broken to unzip the DNA for replication and transcription.

RNA vs. DNA

• Uracil replaces thymine in RNA.
• The backbone of RNA is composed of ribose and phosphate.

Complementary RNA Strand

• Given a DNA sequence, e.g., ACCAGT, its corresponding RNA sequence is UGGUCA.

Transcription

• Transcription involves the creation of complementary RNA from a DNA template.

Translation

• Translation is the process where tRNA brings amino acids to the ribosome and joins them in the order prescribed by mRNA.