Introduction to Genetics

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Questions and Answers

What describes the directionality of the two DNA strands in a double helix?

Both strands run from 5' to 3'

One strand runs from 5' to 3' while the other runs from 5' to 5'

Both strands run from 3' to 3'

One strand runs from 5' to 3' while the other runs from 3' to 5' (correct)

What process describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein?

Central dogma (correct)

Transcription

Translation

Replication

What type of replication occurs when new strands of DNA are formed with one parental strand and one newly synthesized strand?

Semiconservative replication (correct)

Continuous replication

Dispersive replication

Conservative replication

Which of the following statements about DNA polymerase is correct?

DNA polymerase can only build new DNA strands in the 5' to 3' direction. Signup and view all the answers

What are the small fragments formed during discontinuous DNA replication called?

Okazaki fragments Signup and view all the answers

What holds the two chains of DNA together?

Hydrogen bonds Signup and view all the answers

Which groups are part of the amino acid structure?

Carboxyl group and amino group Signup and view all the answers

How many different amino acids are used in protein synthesis?

20 Signup and view all the answers

What role does DNA helicase play during DNA replication?

It unzips the DNA molecule by breaking hydrogen bonds. Signup and view all the answers

In which direction can DNA polymerase synthesize new DNA strands?

5′ to 3′ direction Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of DNA ligase during DNA replication?

To join fragments of new DNA together. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the replication of DNA?

It is a semi-conservative and discontinuous process. Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily formed along the lagging template strand during DNA replication?

Okazaki fragments Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of proteins produced from genes?

To control bodily functions and characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about DNA structure is accurate?

DNA consists of two antiparallel polynucleotide strands. Signup and view all the answers

What role does heredity play in genetics?

It is the passing on of traits from parents to offspring. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of biological unit is a nucleotide?

The basic monomer of DNA Signup and view all the answers

During the replication of DNA, what does the term 'antiparallel' refer to?

The strands run in opposite directions. Signup and view all the answers

What do genes consist of?

Sections of DNA that contain instructions to produce specific molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of genetic variation?

It allows for the evolution of species over time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a nitrogen base found in DNA?

Uracil Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Genetics

Genetics is the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living organisms.
Genetics studies biologically inherited traits, including traits influenced by the environment.
Heredity is the passing on of traits from parents to offspring through reproduction.
Variations between individuals can accumulate and cause species to evolve.

DNA: Our Genetic Material

A gene is a section of DNA that contains the instructions to produce specific molecules in the body, usually proteins.
These proteins control how our body grows and works.
Proteins are responsible for many characteristics, such as eye color, blood type, and height.

DNA Structure & the Central Dogma

DNA is a nucleic acid composed of nucleotides.
A nucleotide is a monomer consisting of deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (Adenine (A), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G), or Thymine (T)).
Two antiparallel polynucleotide strands form DNA.
The strands run parallel but in opposite directions (5' -> 3' and 3' -> 5').
The strands are held together by hydrogen bonds between their bases, known as base pairing.

The Central Dogma of Biology

The central dogma describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA (transcription) to protein (translation).
DNA replication is a semiconservative process, meaning each new DNA molecule contains one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.

DNA Replication: Initiation & Elongation

DNA replication occurs in two main steps: initiation and elongation.
During initiation, the DNA double helix unwinds and separates.
During elongation, new DNA strands are synthesized along each template strand using DNA polymerase.

DNA Replication: Key Facts

DNA polymerase can only synthesize DNA in the 5' to 3' direction.
Continuous replication occurs on the leading strand, which is synthesized continuously towards the replication fork.
Discontinuous replication occurs on the lagging strand, which is synthesized in fragments called Okazaki fragments.
DNA ligase joins the Okazaki fragments together.
DNA polymerase can proofread the new strands of DNA to eliminate mutations.

DNA Repair

If DNA is physically damaged or broken, DNA ligase can function as a DNA repair enzyme.
DNA ligase links the fragments back together.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of genetics, including the study of genes, heredity, and variations in living organisms. It also delves into the structure of DNA and the role of proteins in determining inherited traits. Test your knowledge of genetic concepts and processes.