DNA, RNA, Protein Synthesis and Genetics

DNA Structure and Replication

  • Objectives:

    • Compare and contrast DNA and RNA using a Venn diagram.
    • Explain DNA base pairing rules and provide an example of a DNA strand with its complementary strand.
    • Draw and label the parts of a nucleotide.
    • Describe the difference between purines and pyrimidines, including which nitrogen bases are which.
    • Explain the structure of a DNA molecule in detail.
    • Summarize DNA replication, including enzymes involved, and explain its significance.
    • Describe the difference between the leading and lagging strands.
    • Explain why DNA replication is considered semi-conservative.
    • Identify a nucleic acid as DNA or RNA based on a description or diagram.
    • Predict the consequence of an error during DNA replication.

  • Vocabulary:

    • Nucleic acid
    • RNA primer
    • Okazaki fragments
    • Nucleotide

Protein Synthesis

  • Objectives:

    • Explain the central dogma and why a two-step process is necessary to make proteins.
    • Describe the roles of the three essential types of RNA (mRNA, tRNA, rRNA) in protein synthesis, including a sketch to represent each.
    • Summarize the steps of transcription and translation, including the location of each process and the enzymes involved.
    • Transcribe and translate the following DNA strand: TACACCGGAGCGTTTATT
    • Explain how mRNA is modified after transcription.
    • Describe an example of how gene expression is regulated.
    • Explain the difference between epigenetics and mutations.
    • Predict the consequence of an error made during transcription or translation.

  • Vocabulary:

    • Protein synthesis
    • Transcription
    • Introns
    • Exons
    • Genetic code
    • Codon
    • Anticodon
    • Gene
    • Amino acid
    • Polypeptide
    • Translation
    • Epigenetics

Genetics Unit

  • Objectives:

    • Describe the difference between somatic cells and sex chromosomes.
    • Differentiate between diploid and haploid cells.
    • Explain why meiosis must occur for sexual reproduction.
    • Differentiate between the processes and results of mitosis and meiosis.
    • Explain the purpose of crossing over.
    • Sketch homologous chromosomes as they proceed through meiosis. Next to each stage, highlight when the cells are diploid and/or haploid.
    • Summarize the purpose and results of mitosis and meiosis.
    • Explain what can happen if mistakes are made during mitosis or meiosis.
    • Identify a karyotype as normal or abnormal based on the number of chromosomes present.
    • Predict the genotype and phenotype of offspring by completing monohybrid or dihybrid crosses.

  • Vocabulary:

    • Chromosome
    • Diploid
    • Haploid
    • Karyotype
    • Meiosis
    • Sexual reproduction
    • Fertilization
    • Homologous chromosomes
    • Sister chromatids