Questions and Answers
Why are DNA strands called anti-parallel?
Because one strand is built in the 5' to 3' direction, and the other is in the 3' to 5' direction.
What is Chargaff's scientific contribution?
Chargaff's rule states that in any DNA strand, the percentage of A's and T's will be equal, and the percentage of G's and C's will be equal.
What was Franklin's scientific contribution?
She took the first photo of the double helix using x-ray crystallography.
What was Watson and Crick's scientific contribution?
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When is DNA replicated (doubled)?
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The central dogma of molecular biology is: DNA -> _____ -> Protein.
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Why is an mRNA copy of DNA necessary?
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What is the finished product of DNA replication?
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What are the three major differences between RNA and DNA?
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If a DNA strand has the sequence ACATTACGG, what would the mRNA copy be?
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Where does transcription occur?
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Explain the three major steps of translation.
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Where does translation occur?
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What is the structure of DNA?
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What is the shape of DNA?
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Who is Edwin Chargaff?
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Who is Rosalind Franklin?
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Who are James Watson and Francis Crick?
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What does DNA do?
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What are the discontinuous pieces of DNA copied on the lagging strand called?
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What is messenger RNA (mRNA)?
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What is transfer RNA (tRNA)?
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What is ribosomal RNA (rRNA)?
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What is transcription?
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What is translation?
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What is a nucleotide?
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What is a gene?
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What is RNA Polymerase?
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What are codons?
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Study Notes
DNA Structure and Function
- DNA strands run in opposite directions, termed "anti-parallel" (5' to 3' and 3' to 5').
- DNA is composed of three components: deoxyribose sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous bases.
- The double helix structure resembles a twisted ladder, where base pairs form the rungs.
Key Scientific Contributions
- Chargaff's rule: Equal percentages of A=T and G=C in DNA.
- Rosalind Franklin: Developed X-ray crystallography technique, revealing the double helix structure.
- Watson and Crick: Identified the double helix form and explained base pairing specifics.
DNA Replication and Cell Cycle
- DNA replication occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle, producing two identical strands.
- Discontinuous DNA segments on the lagging strand are known as Okazaki fragments.
Central Dogma of Molecular Biology
- The central dogma outlines the flow of genetic information: DNA → RNA → Protein.
- mRNA serves as a messenger, relaying instructions from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.
RNA Types and Functions
- Three main types of RNA:
- mRNA (messenger RNA) carries genetic information from the nucleus to ribosomes.
- tRNA (transfer RNA) transfers amino acids to the ribosome, aligning them according to mRNA codon sequences.
- rRNA (ribosomal RNA) forms ribosomes and aids in protein synthesis.
Transcription and Translation Processes
- Transcription: The process of converting DNA into RNA occurs in the nucleus.
- Translation: mRNA is translated into proteins at the ribosome; involves reading codons and linking amino acids.
Codons and Amino Acids
- Codons are triplets of nucleotides that encode specific amino acids.
- Each tRNA has a corresponding anticodon that pairs with mRNA during protein synthesis.
Additional Key Points
- Genes are segments of DNA that contain instructions for producing proteins.
- RNA polymerase: Enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.
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Test your knowledge of DNA concepts with these flashcards. Explore key terms like anti-parallel strands and Chargaff's rule. Perfect for biology students looking to strengthen their understanding of genetic structures.