DNA Structure and Replication Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of Unit 1 in the Higher Biology Study Guide?

Evolutionary biology

DNA and the Genome (correct)

Genetic variations and mutations

Molecular biology techniques

Who are the individuals acknowledged for contributing to the SCHOLAR Study Guide?

Students and education authorities only

Only the authors listed

Only Heriot-Watt University's professors

Authors, reviewers, and contributing educators (correct)

What does the SCHOLAR Study Guide aim to align with?

University research protocols

International education standards

Global environmental policies

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) curriculum (correct)

What year was the SCHOLAR Study Guide on Higher Biology first published?

2018 Signup and view all the answers

What is one restriction mentioned regarding the reproduction of the materials from the SCHOLAR Study Guide?

Reproduction for profit Signup and view all the answers

Which institution is primarily responsible for the SCHOLAR programme?

Heriot-Watt University Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following refers to the style of the acknowledgments made in the SCHOLAR Study Guide?

Formal and specific Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated about the copyright information of the SCHOLAR Study Guide?

It restricts reproduction without written permission. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of mRNA in protein synthesis?

To carry genetic information from DNA to ribosomes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the role of tRNA in protein synthesis?

tRNA transports specific amino acids to the ribosome Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT part of an RNA nucleotide?

Thymine base Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of RNA compared to DNA?

RNA is single-stranded and DNA is double-stranded Signup and view all the answers

What does the anticodon on the tRNA molecule do?

It pairs with a complementary codon on mRNA Signup and view all the answers

Which base is unique to RNA as opposed to DNA?

Uracil Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main types of RNA involved in protein synthesis?

mRNA, tRNA, rRNA Signup and view all the answers

Where does the transcription of DNA to mRNA occur?

In the nucleus Signup and view all the answers

What role does tRNA play in the synthesis of proteins?

It brings amino acids to the ribosome for polypeptide chain formation. Signup and view all the answers

Which codons signal the termination of translation?

UGA, UAA, UAG Signup and view all the answers

What occurs after the polypeptide chain is terminated?

The polypeptide undergoes folding and binding. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the mRNA molecule after the translation process?

It is reused to create more identical polypeptides. Signup and view all the answers

Which amino acid does the start codon AUG code for?

Methionine Signup and view all the answers

What is required to form peptide bonds between amino acids?

Enzymatic assistance and amino acids Signup and view all the answers

What occurs to the tRNA after it adds its amino acid to the polypeptide chain?

It is free to pick up another amino acid. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the translation process?

The ribosome attaches to the mRNA. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes stem cells from specialized cells?

Stem cells can differentiate into multiple cell types. Signup and view all the answers

What stage are embryonic stem cells derived from?

Blastocyst stage Signup and view all the answers

What term describes embryonic stem cells due to their ability to differentiate into any type of cell?

Pluripotent Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes is essential in the differentiation of embryonic stem cells?

Exposure to specific culture conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of embryonic stem cells?

Limited to a specific type of tissue Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of culturing embryonic stem cells in a laboratory?

To produce undifferentiated cells Signup and view all the answers

In what way can hESCs be applied in medical research?

To treat certain diseases through differentiated cells Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stem cells have the potential to differentiate into many types of cells but is not derived from embryos?

Adult stem cells Signup and view all the answers

What name is given to the process by which ribosomes use messenger RNA to produce a polypeptide chain?

Translation Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process that allows different mature mRNA transcripts to be produced from the same primary transcript?

Splicing Signup and view all the answers

Which type of stem cells can differentiate into all cell types, including embryonic tissues?

Embryonic stem cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the main ethical concern regarding stem cell research?

Source of stem cells Signup and view all the answers

What type of bond is typically found in the structure of proteins and indicated in peptide chains?

Peptide bond Signup and view all the answers

What is the key feature of meristematic cells in plants?

They can differentiate into specialized cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of adult stem cells?

To replace damaged tissues Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes embryonic stem cells from adult stem cells?

Adult stem cells have a narrower differentiation potential. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

DNA Structure

DNA is composed of two polynucleotide chains that are antiparallel and wound around each other to form a double helix.
Each nucleotide consists of a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
The nitrogenous bases are adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine.
Adenine always pairs with thymine, and guanine always pairs with cytosine.
The hydrogen bonding between the complementary base pairs forms the rungs of the DNA ladder that forms the double helix.

DNA Replication

DNA replication is the process by which DNA makes copies of itself.
It is essential for cell division.
The two strands of DNA separate, and each strand acts as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand.
The enzyme DNA polymerase adds new nucleotides to the strand, following Chargaff's rules (A with T, C with G).
The new strand follows the direction 5´ to 3´.
The enzyme helicase breaks the hydrogen bonds between the base pairs.

Transcription

Transcription is the process by which DNA is used to make mRNA.
It occurs in the nucleus of the cell.
One strand of DNA is used as a template to create a complementary mRNA strand.
RNA polymerase is the enzyme that adds RNA nucleotides to the growing mRNA strand.
The mRNA has a sequence of bases that can be used to make proteins.

Translation

Translation is the process by which mRNA is used to make a polypeptide chain, also called a protein.
It occurs in the cytoplasm at the ribosomes.
Each three-base sequence on mRNA, called a codon, codes for a specific amino acid.
tRNA binds to the mRNA via a complementary sequence called the anticodon.
The tRNA carries the amino acid specified by the mRNA codon.
The amino acids are linked together by peptide bonds to form a polypeptide chain.

Gene Expression

Gene expression is the process by which the information in a gene is used to synthesize a protein.
It involves transcription and translation.
There are non-coding regions of DNA that do not code for proteins called introns.
The coding regions of DNA that do code for proteins are called exons.
Introns are removed from the pre-mRNA, and the exons are joined together to form mature mRNA.

Types of RNA

mRNA (messenger RNA): carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.
tRNA (transfer RNA): brings amino acids to the ribosomes during protein synthesis.
rRNA (ribosomal RNA): forms a complex with protein molecules to make ribosomes.

Genetic Code

The genetic code is the set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material (DNA or RNA sequences) is translated into proteins by living cells.
There are three codons that do not code for amino acids: UGA, UAA and UAG. These are called stop codons.
The start codon in eukaryotes is AUG, which also codes for the amino acid methionine.

Differentiation

Differentiation is the process by which stem cells become specialized cells.
Specialised cells have a specific structure and function.
The process of differentiation involves the expression of specific genes and the suppression of others.

Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can divide to produce more stem cells and also differentiate into specialized cells.
They are important for growth and repair.
Embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos at the blastocyst stage.
They can differentiate into all types of cells.
Tissue (adult) stem cells are found in specific tissues.
They can only differentiate into certain cell types.

Therapeutic use of stem cells

Replacing damaged or diseased cells.
Regenerating tissues.
Therapeutic use of stem cells is still an area of active research.

Research involving stem cells

Studying the mechanisms of development.
Developing new therapies for diseases.
Research involving stem cells raises ethical issues.

Ethical issues regarding stem cells

The use of embryonic stem cells involves the destruction of embryos.
The potential for the creation of human-animal hybrids.
The potential for exploitation of vulnerable groups.
The potential for accidental creation of genetically modified organisms that are released into the environment.
The potential for creating a hierarchy in society where only the wealthy can benefit from stem cell therapies.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the structure and replication of DNA. This quiz covers key concepts such as the double helix formation, the components of nucleotides, and the process of DNA replication including enzyme functions. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand these fundamental biological processes.