DNA Profiling and tRNA Function

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Questions and Answers

Match the following DNA components with their characteristics:

Adenine (A) = Pairs with Thymine (T) Guanine (G) = Pairs with Cytosine (C) Thymine (T) = Replaced by Uracil (U) in RNA Cytosine (C) = Forms hydrogen bonds with Guanine (G)

Match the following RNA types with their functions:

mRNA = Carries information from DNA to ribosomes rRNA = Structural component of ribosomes tRNA = Brings amino acids to ribosomes for protein synthesis snRNA = Involved in RNA splicing

Match the following statements with their relevance to DNA replication:

DNA polymerase = Enzyme required for DNA replication Double helix = Structure of DNA that unwinds during replication ATP = Energy source needed for DNA replication Template strands = Guide the formation of new complementary strands

Match the following characteristics with DNA and RNA:

DNA = Stores genetic information RNA = Contains uracil instead of thymine Signup and view all the answers

Match the following aspects of DNA replication with their descriptions:

Untwisting of double helix = First step in DNA replication Free nucleotides = Enter the nucleus from cytoplasm New DNA molecules = Half old and half new Hydrogen bonds = Broken by enzymes during replication Signup and view all the answers

Match the following components with their descriptions:

DNA = A polymer with a double helix structure Histones = Proteins that help coil DNA Chromatin = Loose form of DNA in the nucleus Chromatids = Replicated forms of chromosomes held together Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

Gene = Length of DNA coding for a protein Alleles = Different versions of a gene Dominant = Refers to an allele that masks another Recessive = An allele that is masked by a dominant allele Signup and view all the answers

Match the following scientists with their contributions to DNA structure:

James Watson = Co-discoverer of the DNA double helix Francis Crick = Co-discoverer of the DNA double helix Rosalind Franklin = Provided X-ray diffraction images of DNA Maurice Wilkins = Worked with Franklin on DNA structure Signup and view all the answers

Match the following parts of a chromosome with their functions:

Centromere = Region that holds chromatids together Locus = Specific position of a gene on a chromosome Chromatids = Identical halves of a duplicated chromosome Telomeres = Ends of chromosomes that protect genetic data Signup and view all the answers

Match the following structures to their components in DNA:

Sugar-phosphate backbone = Deoxyribose sugar and phosphate groups Base pairs = Adenine pairs with Thymine, Guanine pairs with Cytosine Nucleotide = Building block of DNA consisting of a sugar, phosphate, and base Double helix = Twisted ladder structure of DNA Signup and view all the answers

Match the following processes related to gene expression:

Transcription = Process of copying DNA to RNA Translation = Process of decoding RNA to produce a protein Replication = Process of duplicating DNA before cell division Protein synthesis = Building proteins based on genetic information Signup and view all the answers

Match the following definitions with their terms:

RNA = Single-stranded nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis mRNA = Messenger RNA that conveys genetic information from DNA tRNA = Transfer RNA that carries amino acids to the ribosome rRNA = Ribosomal RNA that makes up part of the ribosome Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characteristics with the types of RNA:

mRNA = Serves as a template for protein synthesis tRNA = Brings amino acids to the ribosome during translation rRNA = Forms the core of the ribosome's structure snRNA = Involved in RNA splicing in eukaryotic cells Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of gene regulation with their descriptions:

Transcriptional control = Regulation of gene expression at transcription level Post-transcriptional control = Control after RNA has been synthesized Translational control = Regulation of mRNA translation to proteins Post-translational control = Regulation after protein synthesis Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

DNA Structure

Rungs of DNA consist of complementary bases held by hydrogen bonds.
Four nitrogenous bases: Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), and Cytosine (C).
Base pairing rules: Adenine pairs exclusively with Thymine; Guanine pairs with Cytosine.

DNA Replication

Occurs in the nucleus during interphase of mitosis and meiosis.
Requires energy (ATP) and enzyme DNA polymerase.
Double helix unzips and untwists as hydrogen bonds break.
New nucleotides enter from the cytoplasm, forming complementary strands.
Each new DNA molecule consists of one old and one new strand, creating identical copies.
Essential for accurately passing genetic information to the next generation.

Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) Structure

RNA contains ribose sugar; Thymine is replaced by Uracil (U).
RNA is single-stranded, unlike double-stranded DNA.
Types of RNA:
- Messenger RNA (mRNA): Transmits information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.
- Ribosomal RNA (rRNA): Proteins and major structural component of ribosomes.

Heredity and Gene Expression

Heredity refers to the transmission of traits from one generation to another through genes.
Example: Brown-eyed parents producing brown-eyed children.
Gene: Segment of DNA coding for a protein or characteristic.
Gene expression: Process of using gene information to produce traits or proteins.
Dominance example: Brown eye gene is dominant over blue eye gene.

Chromosome Structure

Each gene has a specific location called a locus; multiple forms called alleles can be dominant or recessive.
Chromosome structure consists of two chromatids linked by a centromere.
Chromatin is the relaxed form of DNA combined with proteins; coils into chromosomes during cell division.
Chromosomes are organized lengths of DNA wrapped around histones.

DNA Discovery

James Watson and Francis Crick discovered DNA's double helix structure in 1951.
DNA is a polymer made up of repeating nucleotide units.
The scaffold consists of alternating deoxyribose sugar and phosphate groups.

Transfer RNA (tRNA)

tRNA collects and delivers specific amino acids to ribosomes for protein assembly.

DNA Profiling

DNA profiling creates a unique pattern of DNA bands for individual identification.
Process involves:
- Extraction of DNA from cells.
- Amplification of low DNA quantities using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- Cutting DNA with restriction enzymes at specific sequences.
- Separation of DNA fragments via gel electrophoresis.
- Visualization on a nylon membrane using radioactive probes.
Applications include criminal identification and paternity testing.