Central Dogma and DNA Structure Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What are the stages of translation?

  • Initiation, elongation, and termination (correct)
  • Transcription, elongation, and termination
  • Initiation, transduction, and termination
  • Replication, elongation, and termination

Which of the following statements about the genetic code is true?

  • Each codon specifies a unique amino acid only.
  • The genetic code only exists in humans.
  • Many codons can specify the same amino acid. (correct)
  • There are more than three stop codons in the genetic code.

What is a significant effect of mutations on an organism?

  • Mutations can have a range of effects, including no effect. (correct)
  • Mutations can only cause significant effects.
  • Mutations always lead to beneficial traits.
  • Mutations are only harmful.

Which process amplifies DNA sequences?

<p>PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do regulatory proteins affect gene expression?

<p>They can activate or repress gene expression. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of messenger RNA (mRNA) in protein synthesis?

<p>To carry genetic information from DNA to ribosomes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes the process of transcription?

<p>It uses a DNA template to synthesize a complementary RNA molecule. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the double helix structure of DNA?

<p>It provides a compact structure for genetic information storage. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) in the ribosomes?

<p>To form a structural and functional component of ribosomes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the flow of genetic information?

<p>DNA → RNA → Protein (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During translation, what do the mRNA codons specify?

<p>The particular amino acids in a polypeptide chain (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes RNA from DNA at the molecular level?

<p>RNA contains ribose sugar, whereas DNA contains deoxyribose. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is primarily responsible for transcription?

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

What process describes how DNA is used to create RNA?

<p>Transcription (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the semiconservative model of DNA replication?

<p>One original strand is conserved in each new DNA molecule. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does tRNA play during translation?

<p>It brings amino acids to the ribosome. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of mutation involves a change in the reading frame of a gene?

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

What is the primary function of the DNA polymerase enzyme during replication?

<p>To synthesize new DNA strands. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the ribosome during translation?

<p>It decodes mRNA into a polypeptide chain. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which element is essential for the formation of the double helix structure of DNA?

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

How does regulation of gene expression primarily affect protein synthesis?

<p>By determining when genes are transcribed and translated. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the start codon in the genetic code?

<p>It marks the beginning of the gene that will be translated. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which technique utilizes the insertion of foreign DNA into a host organism?

<p>Recombinant DNA technology (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of telophase II in cell division?

<p>Creation of four haploid daughter cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a significance of cell division in multicellular organisms?

<p>To enable repair and growth of tissues (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does cytokinesis differ between animal and plant cells?

<p>Animal cells form a cleavage furrow, plant cells form a cell plate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What process introduces genetic diversity during reproduction?

<p>Meiosis through crossing over (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does cell division play in the development of multicellular organisms?

<p>It allows for growth and specialization of cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of mitosis in an organism?

<p>To create genetically identical daughter cells for growth and repair. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of meiosis is primarily responsible for increasing genetic variation?

<p>Prophase I (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which phase of mitosis do chromosomes align at the cell's equator?

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

What happens to sister chromatids during Anaphase II of meiosis?

<p>They separate and move towards opposite poles of the cell. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of cytokinesis in cell division?

<p>It completes the process by dividing the cytoplasm into two daughter cells. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many rounds of division occur during meiosis?

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

Which statement correctly describes the outcome of meiosis?

<p>It generates four genetically unique daughter cells. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of mitosis does the nuclear envelope begin to break down?

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

What major event occurs during the S phase of interphase?

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

Which phase of mitosis is characterized by chromosomes moving to opposite poles of the cell?

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

What role do cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) play in the cell cycle?

<p>They regulate the progression of the cell cycle (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which phase does the nuclear envelope reform around each set of chromosomes?

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

What is the primary difference in cytokinesis between animal and plant cells?

<p>Plant cells develop a new cell wall (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of checkpoints in the cell cycle?

<p>To prevent the cell from dividing if errors are present (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which stage follows the metaphase in mitosis?

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

What defines the G1 phase of interphase?

<p>Cell growth and metabolic activity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of meiosis in the context of reproduction?

<p>To produce four haploid cells for sexual reproduction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does meiosis contribute to genetic diversity?

<p>By involving crossing over during prophase I (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of uncontrolled cell division?

<p>Development of cancer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do environmental factors play in cell division?

<p>They can either enhance or inhibit cell division depending on the type (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates mitosis from meiosis in terms of chromosome number?

<p>Mitosis maintains chromosome number while meiosis reduces it by half (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of meiosis in multicellular organisms?

<p>To generate genetic diversity for sexual reproduction. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?

<p>S phase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during prophase I of meiosis?

<p>Homologous chromosomes pair up and crossing over occurs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of mitosis?

<p>Two genetically identical diploid cells. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which checkpoint in the cell cycle ensures that DNA is replicated accurately?

<p>G2 checkpoint (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phase is characterized by chromosomes moving to opposite poles of the cell during mitosis?

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

What role does cytokinesis play in cell division?

<p>Splits the cytoplasm to form daughter cells. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many genetically distinct cells are produced at the end of meiosis II?

<p>Four haploid cells (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Translation

The process of converting the genetic code from mRNA into a protein.

Genetic Code

A set of rules that specifies how codons in mRNA are translated into amino acids.

Gene Expression

The process of using a gene's information to create a protein.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence.

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Recombinant DNA technology

A technique to manipulate genes and create genetically modified organisms.

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Central Dogma

The flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.

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DNA Replication

The process of making an exact copy of DNA.

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Transcription

Converting DNA's code into RNA.

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mRNA

Carries the genetic code from DNA to ribosomes.

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DNA Structure

Double helix with complementary base pairs.

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RNA Types

mRNA, tRNA, rRNA each having different roles in protein synthesis.

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Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins.

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What is the central dogma?

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

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How does DNA replicate?

DNA replication is a semiconservative process where each new DNA molecule has one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.

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What is transcription?

Transcription is the process of copying DNA's genetic information into RNA.

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What is translation?

Translation is the process of decoding mRNA into a protein.

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What are codons?

Codons are three-nucleotide sequences in mRNA that code for specific amino acids.

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What are mutations?

Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence.

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What is gene regulation?

Gene regulation is the control of gene expression, determining when and how genes are turned on or off.

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What is recombinant DNA technology?

Recombinant DNA technology involves manipulating genes and creating genetically modified organisms.

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What is genomics?

Genomics is the study of genomes, the complete set of genetic information of an organism.

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What are some applications of molecular biology?

Molecular biology has applications in medicine, agriculture, and forensics, among other areas.

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Mitosis

Cell division that produces two identical daughter cells, crucial for growth and repair.

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Meiosis

Cell division that produces four unique daughter cells, each with half the chromosomes of the parent cell. Essential for sexual reproduction.

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What is interphase?

The longest phase before mitosis, where the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for division.

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Prophase

Chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers form.

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Metaphase

Chromosomes align at the equator of the cell, and spindle fibers attach to their centromeres.

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Telophase II

The final stage of meiosis II, where chromosomes reach the poles, the nuclear envelope reforms, and the cell divides, resulting in four haploid daughter cells.

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Growth via Cell Division

Organisms increase in size and complexity as new cells are created through cell division. This process allows for the expansion of tissues and organs.

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Anaphase

Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell, pulled by shortening spindle fibers.

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Cell Division for Repair

Cell division replaces damaged or worn-out cells, maintaining the integrity of tissues and organs.

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Telophase

Chromosomes reach the poles, the nuclear envelope reforms, and chromosomes decondense.

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Asexual Reproduction

Some organisms reproduce asexually using mitosis, producing offspring genetically identical to the parent.

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Cytokinesis

The division of cytoplasm, creating two separate daughter cells.

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Cytokinesis in Animals

During cytokinesis in animal cells, a cleavage furrow forms, pinching the cell membrane in half to separate the daughter cells.

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Cell Cycle

A tightly regulated series of events that leads to the growth and division of a cell into two daughter cells.

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Interphase

The longest phase of the cell cycle, where the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for division.

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Checkpoints

Points in the cell cycle that regulate its progression, ensuring accurate DNA replication and proper cell size.

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Haploid vs. Diploid

Haploid cells have one set of chromosomes (e.g., sperm or egg), while diploid cells have two sets (e.g., most body cells).

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Meiosis: Genetic Diversity

Meiosis produces gametes (sperm and egg) with unique combinations of chromosomes, contributing to genetic diversity in offspring.

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Crossing Over

During meiosis, chromosomes swap genetic material, creating new combinations of genes.

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Uncontrolled Cell Division

Cancer is caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division, leading to tumor formation.

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Cell Cycle Checkpoints

These checkpoints monitor key stages of the cell cycle to ensure proper DNA replication and overall cell health.

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What are the phases of mitosis?

Mitosis has four phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Prophase is when chromosomes condense and become visible; metaphase is when chromosomes align at the center of the cell; anaphase is when sister chromatids separate; and telophase is when the cell starts to divide.

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What is the role of checkpoints in the cell cycle?

Checkpoints are like quality control points in the cell cycle. They ensure that DNA replication is complete and accurate and that the cell is the right size before proceeding to the next phase.

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What is the significance of cell division?

Cell division is fundamental to life. It enables growth, repair, and reproduction in all living organisms.

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What is crossing over?

During prophase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes exchange genetic material. This creates genetic diversity among offspring.

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What is cytokinesis?

The division of the cytoplasm, usually happening at the end of mitosis or meiosis, separating the cell into two daughter cells.

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Study Notes

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

  • DNA serves as the genetic blueprint, containing the instructions for protein synthesis.
  • Transcription is the process of converting DNA's genetic information into RNA.
  • Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic code from the DNA to the ribosomes, the sites of protein synthesis.
  • Translation is the process of using the mRNA code to synthesize proteins from amino acids.
  • The sequence of bases in DNA determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein.
  • The flow of genetic information is unidirectional: DNA → RNA → Protein.

DNA Structure and Replication

  • DNA is a double helix composed of two polynucleotide chains.
  • Each nucleotide consists of a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine, guanine, or cytosine).
  • The two strands are held together by hydrogen bonds between complementary base pairs (A with T, and G with C).
  • DNA replication is a semi-conservative process, where each new DNA molecule contains one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.
  • DNA polymerase enzymes are crucial for replicating DNA accurately.
  • Replication begins at specific sites called origins of replication.

RNA Structure and Types

  • RNA is a single-stranded polynucleotide.
  • RNA nucleotides contain ribose sugar instead of deoxyribose.
  • RNA uses uracil instead of thymine as a base.
  • Different types of RNA exist, each with specific roles in protein synthesis.
    • Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosomes.
    • Transfer RNA (tRNA) carries amino acids to the ribosomes during translation.
    • Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a component of ribosomes, the sites of protein synthesis.

Transcription

  • Transcription uses a DNA template to synthesize a complementary RNA molecule.
  • RNA polymerase is the enzyme that catalyzes transcription.
  • Transcription factors bind to specific DNA regions, regulating gene expression.
  • Initiation, elongation, and termination are the three stages of transcription.
  • Transcription proceeds along a DNA template, producing an RNA chain that is complementary to the DNA sequence.

Translation

  • Translation is the process of synthesizing a polypeptide chain from an mRNA sequence.
  • mRNA codons (three-nucleotide sequences) specify particular amino acids.
  • Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules carry the specific amino acids to the ribosomes.
  • Ribosomes catalyze the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids, linking them together to form a polypeptide chain.
  • Translation occurs on ribosomes.
  • Initiation, elongation, and termination are stages of translation.

Genetic Code

  • The genetic code is a set of rules that dictates how codons in mRNA are translated into amino acids.
  • The code is nearly universal across all organisms.
  • Many codons specify the same amino acid.
  • There are three stop codons, which signal the termination of translation.

Gene Regulation

  • Gene expression is tightly controlled to ensure that proteins are produced only when and where needed.
  • Gene regulation can occur at the level of transcription, translation, or post-translation.
  • Regulatory proteins can bind to DNA regions near genes, activating or repressing gene expression.
  • Epigenetic modifications influence gene expression without changing the DNA sequence.

Mutations

  • Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence.
  • Mutations can range from single base substitutions to large-scale deletions or insertions.
  • Mutations can have various effects on the organism, including no effect, minor effects, or significant effects.
    • Point mutations (substitutions, insertions, deletions)
    • Frameshift mutations (insertions or deletions that alter the reading frame)
    • Chromosomal mutations (involve larger segments of chromosomes)
  • Mutagens are agents that increase the frequency of mutations.

Biotechnology applications

  • Understanding the molecular biology of genes has led to numerous biotechnology applications.
  • Recombinant DNA technology allows manipulation of genes and creating genetically modified organisms.
  • PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) amplifies DNA sequences.
  • Genetic engineering involves modifying an organism's genes to enhance or modify traits.
  • Gene therapy aims to treat genetic diseases by introducing functional genes.

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