Genetics: Structure and Function of DNA and RNA

Study Notes

Nitrogenous bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine) form complementary base pairs (A-T and G-C), stabilizing the structure
RNA generally exists as a single-stranded molecule and contains uracil instead of thymine
RNA plays a crucial role in transmitting genetic information from DNA to the protein synthesis machinery of the cell
mRNA carries the genetic code from the DNA to the ribosomes, where proteins are synthesized based on this information

Gene expression involves the process of transcribing DNA into mRNA (transcription) and translating mRNA into proteins (translation)
It's a highly regulated process that controls which genes are expressed in a cell at a given time
Various types of RNA, such as mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA, participate in different stages of gene expression

DNA stores genetic information and is involved in DNA replication and repair
RNA molecules have a role in protein synthesis and form a lipid bilayer that acts as a barrier, controlling the passage of substances into and out of the cell

Lipids have roles in hormone production, thermal insulation, protection of organs, nerve function, and vitamin absorption
Examples of lipid functions include cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone in hormone production, and adipose tissue in thermal insulation

Enzymes are biological molecules, typically proteins, that act as catalysts to speed up chemical reactions in living organisms
Enzymes have catalytic activity, increasing the rate of chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur
Enzymes exhibit high specificity towards their substrates, meaning each enzyme typically catalyzes only one type of reaction or a group of similar reactions

Vitamins are essential nutrients that cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities by the body and must be obtained through diet or supplementation
Vitamins are classified into two groups based on their solubility: fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and water-soluble vitamins (B-complex and vitamin C)
Vitamins have functions in coenzyme function, antioxidant activity, bone health, vision and immune function, and disease and dysfunction prevention

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and polylactic acid (PLA) are two prominent types of bioplastics, each with distinct properties and applications
PHAs are produced by various microorganisms as intracellular carbon and energy storage compounds under nutrient-limited conditions with an excess of carbon sources
PLA production is currently more cost-effective and scalable compared to PHA
Both PHA and PLA are biodegradable in various environments, including soil, water, and marine settings

mRNA vaccines use messenger RNA to instruct cells to produce a protein that triggers an immune response
DNA vaccines deliver a piece of genetic material (DNA) into cells, instructing them to produce an antigen
Nucleic acid vaccines have advantages, including rapid development and production, and can be designed and produced quickly once the genetic sequence of the pathogen is known