Podcast
Questions and Answers
What are genes composed of?
What are genes composed of?
DNA
DNA is made up of what?
DNA is made up of what?
nucleotides
Each nucleotide is composed of what three things?
Each nucleotide is composed of what three things?
sugar, phosphate group, a base
Two strands of DNA are held together by what?
Two strands of DNA are held together by what?
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Nucleotides are linked together by what?
Nucleotides are linked together by what?
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What is the function of DNA polymerase?
What is the function of DNA polymerase?
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What are the three steps of DNA replication?
What are the three steps of DNA replication?
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What does PCR stand for?
What does PCR stand for?
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A change to the sequence of bases in an organism's DNA is called what?
A change to the sequence of bases in an organism's DNA is called what?
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What is a change in a single base called?
What is a change in a single base called?
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What happens when a correct base is replaced by an incorrect one?
What happens when a correct base is replaced by an incorrect one?
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What is it called when one or more bases are added to the sequence, changing the way it is read?
What is it called when one or more bases are added to the sequence, changing the way it is read?
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What is it called when one or more bases are removed from the sequence, changing the way it is read?
What is it called when one or more bases are removed from the sequence, changing the way it is read?
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Study Notes
Genes and DNA Composition
- Genes are composed of DNA, which carries genetic information.
- DNA is made up of nucleotides, the building blocks of genetic material.
Nucleotide Structure
- Each nucleotide consists of three components: sugar, phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
DNA Structure
- Two strands of DNA are held together by hydrogen bonds, forming the double helix structure.
- Nucleotides within a single strand are linked by covalent bonds, creating a stable backbone.
DNA Replication
- DNA replication involves three main steps:
- Proteins unwind the DNA molecule, causing the strands to separate.
- DNA polymerase uses the template of the old strands to build new strands.
- The process results in semi-conservative replication, yielding two DNA double helices, each containing one old and one new strand.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
- PCR is a technique used to artificially produce millions of copies of a specific DNA sequence, facilitating genetic analysis.
Mutations
- A mutation refers to any change in the sequence of bases in an organism's DNA.
- Specific types of mutations include:
- Point mutation: a change in a single base within the sequence.
- Substitution: a correct base is replaced with an incorrect one, potentially altering gene function.
- Insertion: one or more bases are added, affecting the reading frame of the genetic code.
- Deletion: one or more bases are removed, also altering how the sequence is read.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of genes and DNA, including nucleotide structures and the double helix formation. It also covers the critical process of DNA replication and the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. Test your understanding of these key genetic principles!
