DNA Basics
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Questions and Answers

What is the base pair rule in DNA and what are the two nucleotides involved?

The base pair rule in DNA is C-G or G-C, with three hydrogen bonds between them.

Where is DNA located in the cell and what is its role in making proteins?

DNA is located in the nucleus and its role is to provide instructions to the ribosomes to make proteins.

What are the three main differences between RNA and DNA?

RNA has one strand, has ribose as the sugar, and has uracil as a nitrogenous base instead of thymine.

How much DNA is in each cell and how long would it stretch if unwound?

<p>Each cell has about 3 meters of DNA, which if unwound, would stretch about 2 meters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of DNA extraction and what are the general steps involved?

<p>The purpose of DNA extraction is to isolate DNA from cells, which involves breaking open cells, destroying unwanted molecules, and separating DNA from other components.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is lysis and what is its role in DNA extraction?

<p>Lysis is the process of breaking open cells, which is done using a lysis buffer, and is a crucial step in DNA extraction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the enzymes used to break down unwanted molecules during DNA extraction?

<p>Proteases break down proteins, and ribonucleases (RNAses) break down RNA.</p> Signup and view all the answers

If we were to unwound all the DNA from all the cells in the human body, how far would it stretch?

<p>It would stretch from the earth to the sun and back over 400 times.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of DNA in cells?

<p>Stores genetic information and copies itself exactly for new cells</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the study of DNA important?

<p>It's essential to all life on earth, has medical benefits, and is useful in development of crops and forensics</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three components of a nucleotide?

<p>Phosphate, carbon sugar (deoxyribose), and a nitrogen base</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the net charge of the phosphate groups in nucleic acids?

<p>Net negative charge</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the entire set of DNA molecules in the nucleus?

<p>Genome</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the base pair rule for adenine and thymine?

<p>Adenine bonds only with Thymine (A-T or T-A) with 2 H bonds</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called when the two strands of DNA are separated by high temperatures?

<p>DNA denaturation</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of DNA?

<p>A double helix with two long strands of nucleotides that twist around a central axis</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the four nitrogenous bases found in DNA?

<p>Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What enzyme is responsible for replicating DNA?

<p>DNA polymerase</p> Signup and view all the answers

What holds the two strands of DNA together?

<p>Hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are RNA molecules typically found?

<p>Outside the nucleus</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the combination of the four nitrogenous bases?

<p>Endless combinations, like the letters of the alphabet combining to make an infinite number of words</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of RNA is most commonly analyzed?

<p>Messenger RNA (mRNA)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the principle behind gel electrophoresis?

<p>Separation of molecules based on size using electric charge</p> Signup and view all the answers

What determines the speed of movement of nucleic acids through the gel matrix?

<p>Size of the molecule</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical appearance of human genomic DNA after extraction?

<p>A gelatinous, white mass.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is RNA analysis performed?

<p>To study gene expression patterns in cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is RNA considered unstable?

<p>Because RNAses are commonly present in nature and difficult to inactivate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of nucleic acid detection and quantification methods?

<p>To purify nucleic acids for downstream applications such as sequencing and gene editing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical range of DNA concentration that can be measured using absorbance quantitation?

<p>From about 0.25 μg/mL to about 125 μg/mL.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the wavelength used to measure DNA absorbance?

<p>260 nm</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is accurate quantitation of DNA important?

<p>Because it is a critical step in molecular biology requiring accuracy and reliability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of fluorometric quantitation of nucleic acids?

<p>It allows for accurate quantitation of DNA using smaller sample volumes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis of separation of DNA fragments in gel electrophoresis?

<p>size</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of PCR in laboratories?

<p>to amplify specific regions of DNA</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Taq polymerase in PCR?

<p>to withstand high temperatures</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between PCR and RT-PCR?

<p>RT-PCR involves creating cDNA from an RNA template before PCR</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of reverse transcriptase in RT-PCR?

<p>to create cDNA from mRNA</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of primers in PCR?

<p>to be complementary to each end of the target sequence</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of gel electrophoresis?

<p>bands of DNA fragments at specific distances from the top of the gel</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of PCR in genetic disease detection?

<p>to amplify DNA for analysis</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

DNA Facts

  • Chromosomes are made up of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid), a molecule that stores genetic information in cells and copies itself exactly for new cells.
  • DNA contains the instructions for making proteins within the cell.

Importance of DNA Study

  • The study of DNA is essential to all life on earth, with medical benefits including disease detection, treatment, and prevention, as well as applications in crop development and forensics.

DNA Structure

  • DNA is a polymer composed of repeating subunits called nucleotides.
  • A DNA molecule consists of two long strands, each a chain of nucleotides.
  • Nucleotides consist of a phosphate, carbon sugar (deoxyribose), and a nitrogen base (A, C, G, or T).
  • The two strands twist around a central axis to form a double helix.

Base Pair Rule

  • Adenine (A) bonds only with Thymine (T) using 2 hydrogen bonds.
  • Cytosine (C) bonds only with Guanine (G) using 3 hydrogen bonds.
  • This base pair rule is crucial for the structure and function of DNA.

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

  • RNA is a single-stranded molecule composed of nucleotides.
  • It differs from DNA in that it has ribose (a 5-carbon sugar) instead of deoxyribose, and uracil (U) instead of thymine as a nitrogenous base.

DNA Extraction and Analysis

  • DNA extraction involves breaking open cells, inactivating macromolecules, and precipitating DNA using alcohol.
  • Human genomic DNA is visible as a gelatinous, white mass and can be stored at -80°C for years.
  • RNA extraction involves similar steps, but with additional enzymes to inactivate macromolecules and preserve the RNA.

Nucleic Acid Detection and Quantitation

  • Nucleic acid detection and quantitation methods include UV or fluorescence spectrophotometry.
  • Microplates are used for sample analysis, and Molecular Devices provides a complete workflow solution for nucleic acid detection, quantitation, and analysis.

Techniques to Manipulate Genetic Material

  • Gel electrophoresis is a technique used to separate molecules on the basis of size using an electric field.
  • PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a technique used to amplify specific regions of DNA for further analysis.
  • Reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) is used to amplify DNA fragments from an RNA template.

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Description

A quiz on the fundamental aspects of DNA, including its structure, function, and importance in medical and biological applications.

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