Biology Chapter 11.4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does the 'one gene-one polypeptide' hypothesis state?

It states that the function of an individual gene is to dictate the production of a specific enzyme.

How are amino acids coded?

They are represented by each codon; 61 of 64 triplets code for amino acids.

What is RNA?

Nucleic acid containing the sugar ribose.

What is transcription?

Process by which a DNA template is used to produce a single-stranded RNA molecule. Signup and view all the answers

What is translation?

Process by which a sequence of nucleic acids in RNA is used to direct the production of a chain of specific amino acids. Signup and view all the answers

What is a codon?

In RNA, a three base 'word' that codes for one amino acid. Signup and view all the answers

How did Beadle and Tatum's research lead to the 'one gene-one polypeptide' hypothesis?

They found that mutant strains of mold were unable to grow on the usual nutrient medium; each lacked a single enzyme needed to produce a necessary molecule. Signup and view all the answers

Which molecule completes the flow of information from DNA to protein?

RNA molecules. Signup and view all the answers

Which amino acid is coded for by the RNA sequence CUA?

Leu. Signup and view all the answers

List two ways RNA is different from DNA.

RNA has ribose sugar and contains uracil instead of thymine. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

One Gene-One Polypeptide Hypothesis

Proposes that individual genes direct the synthesis of specific enzymes, emphasizing the relationship between genes and metabolic functions.

Coding for Amino Acids

Amino acids are encoded by codons; 61 out of 64 possible codons represent different amino acids.

RNA Overview

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a nucleic acid featuring ribose sugar, playing crucial roles in genetic coding and expression.

Transcription Process

In transcription, a DNA template is transformed into a single-stranded RNA molecule, initiating gene expression.

Translation Process

Translation involves decoding RNA sequences to form specific chains of amino acids, resulting in protein synthesis.

Codon Definition

A codon is a three-base sequence in RNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid in the growing protein chain.

Beadle and Tatum's Research

Their studies with mutant strains of mold revealed each strain lacked a specific enzyme, leading to the conclusion that each gene corresponds to a specific enzymatic function.

Completion of Information Flow

RNA molecules act as intermediates, completing the genetic flow of information from DNA through to protein synthesis.

Coded Amino Acid

The RNA sequence CUA encodes the amino acid leucine (Leu).

Differences Between RNA and DNA

RNA contains ribose sugar, whereas DNA contains deoxyribose.
RNA includes uracil as a nitrogenous base in place of thymine, which is found in DNA.

Description

Test your knowledge of gene expression and amino acid coding with this set of flashcards based on Chapter 11.4 of your biology textbook. Each card contains key terms and definitions related to the one gene-one polypeptide hypothesis and RNA structure.