Biology Chapter on Nucleic Acids
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following elements is NOT a component of nucleic acids?

  • Carbon
  • Phosphorus
  • Hydrogen
  • Iron (correct)
  • What type of bond links nucleotides together to form a nucleic acid strand?

  • Peptide bond
  • Phosphodiester bond (correct)
  • Hydrogen bond
  • Glycosidic bond
  • Which nitrogenous base is found in RNA but not in DNA?

  • Guanine
  • Thymine
  • Adenine
  • Uracil (correct)
  • What is the primary function of messenger RNA (mRNA)?

    <p>To carry a copy of the genetic instructions from the nucleus to the ribosome (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the Central Dogma of Life, what is the correct sequence of information flow?

    <p>DNA to RNA to protein (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Transfer RNA (tRNA) plays a crucial role by:

    <p>Carrying amino acids to the ribosome and matching them to the mRNA message (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the structure of DNA?

    <p>Double helix with two strands running in opposite directions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes how a gene is expressed according to the information provided?

    <p>A gene is expressed when it is copied into RNA, which is then used to create a protein (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of ribosomes in protein synthesis?

    <p>To catalyze the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of tRNA in translation?

    <p>To bring specific amino acids to the ribosome based on the mRNA codon (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an anticodon?

    <p>A sequence in the tRNA that is complementary to a codon on the mRNA (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes an operon?

    <p>A set of genes that are regulated together (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the lac repressor in the lac operon when lactose is not present?

    <p>It binds to the operator to block transcription (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the lac repressor when lactose is present?

    <p>It changes shape, and cannot bind the operator, allowing transcription to proceed (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is gene expression regulated in prokaryotes?

    <p>Primarily through the regulation of DNA transcription (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the TATA box in eukaryotic gene expression?

    <p>It is where transcription factors bind to position RNA polymerase (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are transcription factors?

    <p>DNA-binding proteins that regulate gene expression (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a way that gene expression can be regulated in eukaryotes?

    <p>Gene mutation by changing the DNA sequence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the process of translation end?

    <p>When the ribosome reaches a stop codon (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?

    <p>It carries the genetic code from the nucleus to the ribosome (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what cellular compartment does translation occur in prokaryotes?

    <p>Cytoplasm (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of bond is formed between amino acids during translation?

    <p>Peptide Bond (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the overall purpose of gene regulation?

    <p>To ensure that proteins are produced only when, where and in the amount that they are needed (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT directly involved in the process of translation?

    <p>DNA (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the genetic code being 'degenerate'?

    <p>Multiple codons can specify the same amino acid. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which enzyme is responsible for synthesizing DNA from an RNA template in retroviruses?

    <p>Reverse transcriptase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of inserting or deleting one or two nucleotides within the coding sequence of a gene?

    <p>It will alter the reading frame leading to changes in the amino acid sequence from that point forward. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a 'start codon' in mRNA?

    <p>It specifies the amino acid methionine and initiates translation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A mutation where a purine is replaced by a pyrimidine is known as a:

    <p>Transversion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of amino-acid charging enzymes in protein synthesis?

    <p>To ensure the correct amino acid is attached to its corresponding tRNA. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of point mutation does NOT alter the amino acid sequence of a protein?

    <p>Silent mutation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the anticodon sequence on tRNA?

    <p>To interact with the mRNA codon through complementary base pairing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds during translation?

    <p>Ribosomes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the direct consequence of a nonsense mutation in a gene sequence?

    <p>The protein will be prematurely terminated, resulting in a shorter polypeptide. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of mRNA in protein synthesis?

    <p>To carry the coded message from the DNA to the ribosome. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do frameshift mutations affect the reading frame of a gene?

    <p>They shift the reading frame by inserting or deleting nucleotides. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of a release factor in translation?

    <p>To dissociate the ribosomal components and free the new polypeptide. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During transcription, in which direction is the DNA template read by RNA polymerase?

    <p>3' to 5' (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which direction does RNA polymerase read the DNA template during transcription?

    <p>3’ to 5’ direction (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the complementary base pairing rule in RNA transcription when reading off a DNA template?

    <p>A pairs with U, and G pairs with C (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the promoter sequence on the DNA template?

    <p>It is the site at which RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is transcription terminated in prokaryotes?

    <p>By the formation of a hairpin structure in the mRNA (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What modification occurs to pre-mRNA before it is translated into a protein?

    <p>Splicing, in which introns are removed and exons are reconnected (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'colinear' mean in the context of the central dogma?

    <p>The sequence of nucleotides in mRNA directly corresponds to the sequence of amino acids in the protein. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In prokaryotes, what is unique about the timing of transcription and translation?

    <p>Transcription, translation, and mRNA degradation can happen concurrently. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the 'concurrent' nature of transcription and translation in bacteria?

    <p>Transcription, translation, and mRNA degradation occur simultaneously in the same 5’ to 3’ direction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If three nucleotides are inserted into the beginning of the coding region of an mRNA, what is the most likely consequence?

    <p>The insertion of extra amino acid into sequence of the protein. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why can multiple ribosomes work on the same mRNA molecule simultaneously?

    <p>To allow for a higher rate of protein synthesis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the starting AUG codon in mRNA?

    <p>It specifies the first amino acid, methionine, in the polypeptide. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between a codon and an anticodon?

    <p>They are complementary sequences that base pair with each other during translation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of bond links amino acids together to form a polypeptide?

    <p>Peptide bonds (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of a stop codon in translation?

    <p>To signal the termination of translation, causing the release of the polypeptide. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of homeotic genes?

    <p>To regulate the development of organs in specific body locations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the role of homeobox genes?

    <p>They code for transcription factors that activate other genes important for development and cell differentiation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does DNA methylation typically affect gene expression?

    <p>It leads to condensed chromatin and blocks gene expression. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of epigenetics, as described in the text?

    <p>Changes in gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How might early malnutrition in a mother affect her child's gene expression and phenotype?

    <p>It may program the child for food scarcity, potentially leading to obesity in a food-rich environment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes why cancer is considered a disease of altered gene expression?

    <p>There are multiple changes seen in gene expression at many levels, including DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and transcription factor activation. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the p53 protein play in normal cells and how is this affected in cancer?

    <p>It is a tumor suppressor that initiates transcription necessary for preventing cells from overgrowing, but mutations can hinder this function. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do proto-oncogenes differ from tumor suppressor genes?

    <p>Proto-oncogenes promote cell growth when functioning normally, while tumor suppressor genes prevent excessive cell growth. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following cellular events is associated with the activation of oncogenes?

    <p>Uncontrolled cell growth due to overexpression of the oncogene. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a cancer cell has DNA methylation in the promoter region of a gene, how would a possible medication work to reverse this?

    <p>Prevent DNA methyl transferase from adding methyl groups to cytosines. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can a mutation in the promoter or enhancer region of a gene contribute to cancer?

    <p>By increasing binding of transcription factors, leading to over expression of the gene. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does phosphorylation of transcription factors have on gene expression?

    <p>It increases the likelihood of the transcription factor binding to the promoter. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does an imbalance in the long (c-FLIPL) and short (c-FLIPS) proteins in colon cancer cells contribute to disease and altered gene expression?

    <p>An increase in the long (c-FLIPL) variant protein promotes cell growth instead of cell death. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main idea behind targeted therapies for cancer treatment?

    <p>To exploit specific protein overexpressions or gene mutations unique to cancer cells while sparing normal cells. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the concept of personalized medicine as it relates to cancer treatment?

    <p>Tailoring treatments based on an individual’s specific genetic and molecular profile. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Transcription

    The process of copying the genetic instructions from DNA into messenger RNA (mRNA).

    Translation

    The process of translating the genetic code from mRNA into a sequence of amino acids to build a protein.

    Central Dogma of Life

    The central dogma of molecular biology describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to proteins.

    Messenger RNA (mRNA)

    A molecule that carries the instructions from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm.

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    Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

    A type of RNA that makes up the ribosomes, the site of protein synthesis.

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    Transfer RNA (tRNA)

    A type of RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosomes and matches them to the coded message in mRNA during protein assembly.

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    Genetic Code

    The set of rules that specify how the genetic code is translated into a sequence of amino acids in a protein.

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    Gene

    The basic unit of heredity that carries the instructions for building proteins and determining traits.

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    What is messenger RNA (mRNA)?

    A mobile copy of one or more genes, carrying genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.

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    What is translation?

    The process of converting the nucleotide sequence of mRNA into a sequence of amino acids to form a protein.

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    What is the Central Dogma of molecular biology?

    The central dogma describes the flow of genetic information within a cell, from DNA to RNA and then to protein.

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    What is a codon?

    A sequence of three consecutive nucleotides in mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid or a stop signal.

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    What is meant by the degeneracy of the genetic code?

    The genetic code is degenerate because multiple codons can code for the same amino acid.

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    What is the universality of the genetic code?

    The genetic code is nearly universal across all living organisms, indicating a shared evolutionary ancestor.

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    What is a mutation?

    A change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA, which can lead to variations in protein function.

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    What is a point mutation?

    A type of mutation where one nucleotide is replaced by another in DNA.

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    What is a missense mutation?

    A point mutation that changes the amino acid sequence of a protein.

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    What is a nonsense mutation?

    A point mutation that introduces a premature stop codon, leading to a truncated protein.

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    What is a frameshift mutation?

    A mutation that inserts or deletes nucleotides, shifting the reading frame of the genetic code.

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    What is transcription?

    The process of copying the genetic information from DNA into RNA, using the enzyme RNA polymerase.

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    What is a promoter sequence?

    A sequence of DNA where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription.

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    What is a terminator sequence?

    A sequence of DNA that signals the termination of transcription, releasing the newly synthesized mRNA molecule.

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    What is meant by concurrent transcription and translation?

    In prokaryotes, transcription and translation can occur simultaneously, as both processes occur in the cytoplasm.

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    RNA Polymerase

    The enzyme that reads nucleotides from a DNA template during transcription.

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    Promoter

    A specific sequence on DNA that signals where RNA Polymerase should bind to begin transcription.

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    Terminator

    A sequence on DNA that signals the end of transcription.

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    Splicing

    The process of removing introns from a pre-mRNA molecule and joining exons together to form mature mRNA.

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    mRNA

    A type of RNA molecule that carries the genetic instructions from DNA to the ribosomes.

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    Ribosome

    A complex structure made up of proteins and rRNA that is responsible for assembling proteins.

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    tRNA

    A type of RNA molecule that carries amino acids to the ribosomes and matches them to the coded message in mRNA.

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    Codon

    A three-base sequence on mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

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    Anticodon

    A three-base sequence on tRNA that is complementary to a codon on mRNA.

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    Amino Acid Charging

    The process of attaching the correct amino acid to a tRNA molecule.

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    Stop Codon

    A type of codon in mRNA that signals the end of translation.

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    Protein Folding

    The process by which the polypeptide chain folds into its three-dimensional structure.

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    Polyribosomes

    The ability of multiple ribosomes to translate the same mRNA molecule simultaneously.

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    Gene Regulation

    The regulation of gene expression ensures that the right proteins are made at the right time.

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    Operon

    A group of genes that are regulated together and usually function related to a common pathway.

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    Transcription Factor

    A DNA-binding protein that can regulate gene expression by controlling transcription.

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    TATA Box

    A short DNA sequence found upstream of the gene that binds transcription factors.

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    Inducible Operon

    A type of gene regulation where the expression of a gene is induced or activated in response to a specific signal.

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    Repressible Operon

    A type of gene regulation where the expression of a gene is repressed or turned off in response to a specific signal.

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    Lac Operon

    The Lac Operon is an inducible operon that controls the genes involved in lactose metabolism.

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    Lac Repressor

    A DNA-binding protein that regulates the Lac Operon by blocking transcription when lactose is absent.

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    Homeotic Genes

    Genes that regulate the development of specific body parts, acting as master switches for body plan formation. They ensure organs form in the correct locations.

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    Homeobox Genes

    Genes that code for transcription factors, proteins that control the expression of other genes. Crucial for development and cell differentiation.

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    Hox Genes

    A family of homeobox genes located next to each other on a chromosome. Involved in determining the body’s anterior-posterior axis (head to tail).

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    Epigenetics

    The study of heritable changes in gene expression that occur without altering the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can be influenced by environmental factors.

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    Heterochromatin

    A tightly packed form of chromatin (DNA and associated proteins) that is inaccessible to RNA polymerase, effectively silencing gene expression. It's like a closed book.

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    Euchromatin

    A loosely packed form of chromatin that is accessible to RNA polymerase, allowing gene expression to occur. It's like an open book.

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    Histone

    A protein that wraps around DNA, forming a structure called a nucleosome, which further condenses into chromatin. Histones play a role in regulating gene expression.

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    Environmental Factors

    Environmental factors, such as temperature, salinity, and nutrient availability, can influence gene expression. These changes can be passed down to future generations.

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    Cancer

    A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division, often due to alterations in gene expression. Caused by mutations in genes that regulate cell cycle control.

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    Tumor Suppressor Genes

    Genes that normally function to prevent excessive cell growth and division. Mutations in these genes can contribute to cancer development.

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    Proto-oncogenes

    Genes that normally promote cell growth and division. Mutations in these genes can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer development.

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    P53

    A transcription factor that plays a crucial role in cell cycle control and tumor suppression. Mutations in this gene are common in many cancers.

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    Myc

    A transcription factor involved in cell growth and differentiation. Mutations in this gene can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, particularly in lymphomas.

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    Targeted Therapies

    Medications that target specific proteins or genes involved in disease processes, aiming to disrupt the disease pathway. They are often used to treat cancers.

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    Personalized Medicine

    A type of targeted therapy that exploits the overexpression of a specific protein or gene to treat a disease. It is a personalized approach to medicine.

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    Study Notes

    Nucleic Acids

    • Nucleic acids (DNA & RNA) are composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
    • They are conserved throughout evolution and store hereditary information in all organisms.
    • DNA provides instructions for protein synthesis, determining amino acid sequences in polypeptides via transcription and translation.
    • Nucleic acids are made of nucleotides, linked by phosphodiester bonds.
    • Nucleotides consist of a pentose sugar (deoxyribose or ribose), a nitrogenous base (adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymine or uracil), and a phosphate group.

    DNA vs RNA

    • DNA carries the genetic blueprint passed from parents to offspring via cell division.
    • DNA has a double helix structure with two strands running in opposite directions, connected by hydrogen bonds and complementary base pairings (A-T, C-G).
    • RNA is single-stranded and comes in different types: messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and transfer RNA (tRNA).

    Central Dogma of Life

    • Genes contain coded DNA instructions for building proteins.
    • Proteins determine an organism's characteristics.
    • DNA in the nucleus serves as a template to create multiple RNA copies.
    • RNA carries instructions to ribosomes in the cytoplasm for protein assembly.

    RNA Types

    • mRNA carries instructions from the nucleus to ribosomes in the cytoplasm.
    • rRNA forms ribosomal subunits where proteins are synthesized.
    • tRNA carries amino acids to the ribosome and matches them to the mRNA codons during protein assembly.
    • A single DNA molecule can contain thousands of genes; only expressed genes are copied into RNA.

    Gene

    • A gene is the unit of heredity, capable of replication, expression, and mutation.
    • Technological advancements in genetics have ethical, legal, and health implications.
    • Four nucleotides create DNA sequences that specify amino acid polymers.
    • Sequences can be transcribed into mRNA and further translated into proteins.

    Genetic Code

    • The genetic code uses DNA and RNA alphabets (A, T, C, G, and U) and 20 amino acids.
    • The central dogma describes the flow of genetic information: DNA to mRNA to protein.
    • Transcription converts genes into mRNA.
    • Translation uses mRNA to synthesize proteins, along with tRNA and rRNA.
    • RNA codons (3 consecutive nucleotides) specify amino acids or polypeptide chain release.
    • The code is degenerate, meaning some amino acids have multiple codons.
    • The genetic code is nearly universal across organisms (except mitochondria and some microbes).
    • Retroviruses (like HIV) store genetic information in single-strand RNA, using reverse transcriptase to make DNA.

    Messenger RNA (mRNA)

    • mRNA carries a molecular copy of one or more genes.
    • Translation of mRNA converts nucleotide information to a protein product.
    • Each amino acid is defined by a triplet codon (3 nucleotide sequence).
    • Variations in amino acid sequences affect protein structure and function.

    Central Dogma of Life (detailed)

    • Genetic information flows from DNA's genes to mRNA, specifying amino acids, which form proteins.
    • DNA to RNA transcription has one nucleotide added to mRNA for every one read in DNA.
    • Translation involves 3 mRNA nucleotides per amino acid.
    • Nucleotide sequences are colinear with amino acid sequence.

    Genetic Code (Codons)

    • 64 possible nucleotide triplets; many codons code for the same amino acid (degenerate).
    • Frameshift mutations (insertions or deletions) alter all subsequent codons.
    • Critical to avoid single or double base insertions and deletions in the reading frame.

    Genetic Code (continued)

    • Nonsense codons (stop codons) terminate protein synthesis.
    • The start codon (AUG) specifies methionine and initiates translation.
    • The reading frame is set by the AUG codon near the 5' end of mRNA.
    • The universality of the genetic code supports a common origin of all life.
    • mRNA sequences from one organism can be used to make the same protein in another.

    Point Mutations

    • Substitutions: one base is replaced by another.
    • Transitions: purine replaced by purine or pyrimidine replaced by pyrimidine.
    • Transversions: purine replaced by pyrimidine or vice versa.
    • Silent mutations: nucleotide change, no amino acid change.
    • Missense mutations: change in amino acid.
    • Nonsense mutations: change to a stop codon, shorter protein.

    Frameshift Mutations

    • Reading frames are divided into consecutive triplets.
    • Frameshifts alter all codons after the insertion or deletion.
    • Insertions add bases, shifting frame.
    • Deletions remove bases, changing frame.
    • If insertions/deletions happen in multiples of 3, usually no large effect.
    • Frameshifts near the beginning or end often create significant protein changes.

    Transcription

    • Transcription copies a DNA base sequence into a complementary RNA sequence.
    • RNA polymerase reads DNA 3' to 5' and assembles RNA 5' to 3'.
    • Uracil (U) is paired with Adenine (A) in RNA.
    • mRNA synthesis begins at a promoter sequence where RNA polymerase binds.
    • Transcription elongation continues until a stop sequence (terminator).
    • Transcription termination releases mRNA with hairpin formation.

    Concurrent Transcription and Translation

    • In prokaryotes, transcription and translation can be concurrent. This means many copies of an encoded protein can rapidly accumulate.
    • This is possible because there's no nuclear compartmentalization in prokaryotes.
    • Multiple polymerases and ribosomes can work on the same region at the same time.

    Pre-mRNA Processing (Splicing)

    • Pre-mRNA is modified before translation.
    • Introns are removed, and exons (coding regions) are joined to form mature mRNA.
    • The same pre-mRNA can be spliced differently in various tissues, creating different protein products from one gene.

    Translation (Overview)

    • mRNA is translated into a polypeptide.
    • Ribosomes (small and large subunits) bind mRNA.
    • Translation starts at the AUG codon (methionine).
    • tRNA carries specific amino acids to the ribosome.
    • Anticodons on tRNA pair with mRNA codons.
    • Amino acids are joined by peptide bonds.
    • Translation continues until a stop codon is reached.
    • Release factors detach components to release the polypeptide.
    • Proteins fold during and after translation.

    Protein Synthesis Machinery

    • Protein synthesis is energetically demanding.
    • Proteins are a major component of cells, performing various functions.
    • Translation decodes mRNA into amino acids, linked by peptide bonds, forming proteins with amino (NH2) and carboxyl (COOH) groups on each amino acid.
    • Ribosomes catalyze this peptide bond formation, generating water.

    Translation (detailed)

    • Ribosomes bind to mRNA in the cytoplasm.
    • tRNA brings amino acids corresponding to each codon.
    • Amino acids are added to the growing polypeptide chain.
    • tRNA anticodon matches mRNA codon.
    • Ribosomes create peptide bonds between amino acids.
    • The process continues until a stop codon is reached, releasing mRNA and polypeptide.

    Three Types of RNA in Translation

    • mRNA carries the genetic code from the nucleus to ribosomes.
    • tRNA delivers amino acids to ribosomes.
    • Ribosomes, composed of proteins and rRNA, catalyze amino acid bonding.
    • Overall, RNA carries the genetic code and translates it.
    • Genes code for traits.
    • Proteins often function as enzymes that speed up chemical reactions by decreasing the activation energy.

    Gene Regulation (Introduction)

    • Cells regulate protein synthesis timing to conserve energy and resources.
    • Gene expression involves controlling when and how much RNA and protein is made.
    • Similar organisms can have different traits related to different gene activation times/responses to environmental cues.
    • Improper gene expression can lead to diseases.

    Prokaryotic Gene Regulation

    • DNA binding proteins control transcription in prokaryotes.
    • Operons are groups of genes regulated together.

    Lac Operon (Inducible)

    • Inducible operons are activated when needed.
    • The Lac operon encodes genes to process lactose; expression relies on low glucose and lactose presence.
    • A repressor protein turns the operon off when lactose is absent.
    • To start the operon/genes to be expressed lactose must bind to the lac repressor changing its shape which allows the operon to be turned on, causing the generation of mRNA which is translated into proteins to let the cell process/break down lactose as an energy source if glucose is not available.

    Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes (Gene Expression)

    • Prokaryotes lack a nucleus; transcription and translation are concurrent.
    • Eukaryotes have a nucleus; transcription occurs in nucleus, translation in cytoplasm.
    • Gene regulation is more complex in eukaryotes due to the multiple cell types and spatial and temporal complexity.

    Transcription Factors

    • Transcription factors are DNA-binding proteins that regulate gene expression.
    • The TATA box, a DNA sequence, aids in RNA polymerase positioning.
    • Regulatory proteins can either increase or decrease transcription.

    Development and Differentiation

    • Gene regulation dictates cell type and protein amounts in eukaryotes.
    • Differentiation: expressing different genes to become a cell type with special structure = function.
    • Homeotic genes and homeobox genes regulate body plans.
    • Hox genes code for transcription factors in development.

    Epigenetics

    • Epigenetics modifies gene expression without changing DNA sequence.
    • Histone modifications (methylation, acetylation) affect chromatin structure and gene expression levels.
    • Methylation can lead to gene silencing.
    • Acetylation loosens chromatin and promotes gene expression.

    Other Factors Influencing Gene Expression

    • Environmental factors (temperature, nutrients) can impact gene expression.
    • Epigenetic alterations during fetal development can have long-lasting effects and explain phenotypic differences. This could lead to health consequences in later life.

    Cancer

    • Cancer is caused by altered gene expression, potentially affecting DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and transcription factor activity.
    • Cancer involves cell cycle control mutations, resulting in unregulated cell growth.
    • Cyclins and other checkpoints control the cell cycle; mutations can lead to cancer.
    • Certain tumor suppressor genes can prevent excess cell growth.

    Altered Gene Expression in Cancer

    • Cancer can involve changes in gene expression levels at various stages.
    • Epigenetic modifications (methylation, histone acetylation) can silence tumor suppressor genes.
    • Transcription factors can be activated, leading to excessive gene expression.

    Tumor Suppressor Genes

    • Tumor suppressor genes prevent excessive cell growth.
    • P53 is a crucial transcription factor often mutated in cancer.
    • Proto-oncogenes, when mutated, become oncogenes and promote uncontrolled growth.
    • Myc is a transcription factor linked to lymphoma, driving uncontrolled growth.

    Cancer and Epigenetics

    • In cancer, DNA methylation can silence certain genes, and histone modifications can also shut down expression of genes important in suppressing cancer.
    • These modifications tend to be temporary and sometimes can be reversed.

    Cancer and Transcription

    • Transcription factor activation through phosphorylation can increase binding and trigger uncontrolled growth.
    • Mutations in promoter or enhancer regions can affect transcription factor binding.
    • Some cancers involve signaling pathways, such as EGFR activation.

    Cancer and Translation

    • Cancer can involve altered protein translation, potentially leading to aberrant cell function.
    • These could be proteins that stimulate cell growth, or that initiate cell death.
    • Imbalance in protein expression contributes to cancer development.

    Targeted Therapies

    • Understanding gene expression allows development of targeted therapies for cancer.
    • Targeted therapies exploit specific cancer features (mutations, overexpressed proteins) to minimize harm to healthy cells.
    • This has led to personalized medicine approaches.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on nucleic acids with this quiz covering key concepts such as the structure and function of DNA and RNA, as well as the processes involved in gene expression. Questions will challenge your understanding of nucleotides, mRNA, tRNA, and the Central Dogma of Life.

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