Lecture 11: DNA and Gene Expression

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Questions and Answers

What are the two main steps involved in gene expression?

  • Transcription and Replication
  • Translation and Mutation
  • Transcription and Translation (correct)
  • Replication and Protein Folding

Where does transcription occur in a eukaryotic cell?

  • Nucleus (correct)
  • Cell membrane
  • Cytoplasm
  • Ribosome

Which enzyme is responsible for transcribing DNA into mRNA?

  • DNA polymerase
  • Ribosome
  • RNA polymerase (correct)
  • DNA ligase

What is the initial step in the translation process of mRNA into amino acids?

<p>mRNA binds to ribosome (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'universal genetic code' refer to?

<p>The same amino acids are coded across all species (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can biotechnology contribute to human health?

<p>By producing medicines and vaccines (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What best describes genetic engineering?

<p>Changing human DNA selectively to improve traits (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a GMO?

<p>Genetically Modified Organism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What chemical bonds hold the two strands of DNA together?

<p>Hydrogen bonds (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which nucleotide base pairs with Adenine (A) in DNA?

<p>Thymine (T) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does DNA polymerase play during DNA replication?

<p>Adds nucleotides to form a new strand (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'expressing' a gene?

<p>Producing proteins based on the gene's instructions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many genes do humans have roughly?

<p>20,000 - 25,000 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is commonly referred to as 'junk' DNA?

<p>Non-coding regions of DNA (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process describes the replication of DNA strands?

<p>Semi-conservative replication (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Helicase important during DNA replication?

<p>It unwinds the DNA double helix (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

DNA Structure

DNA is a double helix, like a twisted ladder, made of nucleotide monomers.

DNA Replication

The process of making a copy of DNA. Helicase unwinds DNA, DNA polymerase builds new strands.

Nucleotide Base Pairs

Adenine (A) with Thymine (T), and Guanine (G) with Cytosine (C).

DNA Replication Enzyme

DNA polymerase is an enzyme that builds new DNA strands.

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Gene Expression

Using a gene's instructions to make a protein.

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DNA Function

Stores genetic information, passed to offspring.

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Gene

A segment of DNA that codes for a protein and thus a trait.

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Human Genome

All the DNA in a human. A small percentage codes for proteins.

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Gene Expression Steps

The process of using DNA instructions to produce proteins.

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Transcription

The first step in gene expression, where DNA is copied into mRNA.

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Translation

The second step in gene expression, converting mRNA into a protein.

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Genetic Code

A set of rules specifying which DNA sequence corresponds to which amino acid in a protein.

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Universal Genetic Code

The same genetic code is used by almost all organisms.

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Gene Expression & Biotechnology

Understanding how genes work allows us to use that knowledge to create new products and technologies.

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Protein Production w/ Bacteria

Using bacteria to create large quantities of a desired protein.

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Study Notes

Lecture 11: DNA, Gene Expression, and Biotechnology

  • DNA Structure & Function:

    • DNA is a helical-like structure
    • Monomers are nucleotides composed of molecules
    • Nucleotide bases: Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), and Cytosine (C)
    • Complementary base pairing: A with T, and G with C, holds two strands together
    • Hydrogen bonds hold the two DNA strands together
    • Complementary bonding between nucleotides
    • Adenine (A) always pairs with Thymine (T)
    • Guanine (G) always pairs with Cytosine (C)
    • DNA's structure enables easy information storage and transmission to offspring.
    • DNA replication involves DNA polymerase and helicase enzymes.
    • DNA polymerase is a proofreader enzyme during replication
  • Gene Expression:

    • Humans have many genes (exact number not specified)
    • A percentage of human genes code for proteins(not specified)
    • Genes are related to proteins
    • "Junk" DNA's function is not completely understood
    • Gene expression relates to cell differentiation because different cells use different genes to produce different proteins
    • Gene expression describes gene activation
    • Central Dogma: DNA -> RNA -> Protein, describes information flow for gene expression.
    • Steps in Gene Expression(Transcription and Translation)
      • Transcription: DNA to mRNA
        • Starting material: DNA, product: mRNA, location: nucleus.
        • Enzyme transcribing gene to mRNA: RNA polymerase.
      • Translation: mRNA to protein:
        • Starting material: mRNA, product: protein, location: cytoplasm.
    • Steps to translate mRNA to amino acids: mRNA, transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomes use codons. Codons are groups of 3 nucleotide bases. tRNA has anti codons for specific amino acids. Ribosomes align mRNA allowing tRNA to add amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain.
    • Practice with Protein Synthesis: Transcribe sample DNA to mRNA and use the genetic code table to find the corresponding amino acids.
  • Biotechnology:

    • Genetic code is universal across organisms
    • Biotechnology relates to gene expression
    • Biotechnology improvements in human health,
    • Uses of biotechnology in food, medicine, and research.
    • Genetically engineered organisms/methods.
    • Bacteria production of proteins
    • GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) and transgenic animals

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