Molecular Biology: DNA and RNA Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which experiment demonstrated that DNA is the genetic material, utilizing phage and labeled isotopes?

  • Griffith's experiment
  • Hershey and Chase experiment (correct)
  • Fraenkel and Singer experiment
  • Avery, McLeod and McCarty experiment

What is the main idea represented by Chargaff's rule?

  • All nucleic acid types have similar base composition
  • The number of adenine and thymine bases are equal (correct)
  • RNA structure is based on the same pairing rules as DNA
  • DNA replication occurs in a semi-conservative manner

In eukaryotic DNA replication, which process occurs at the replication fork?

  • Termination of replication occurs
  • No enzyme activity is present
  • Lagging strand is synthesized in short fragments (correct)
  • Both strands are synthesized continuously

What is the primary function of tRNA in protein synthesis?

<p>To transfer specific amino acids to the ribosome (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of RNA is involved in the formation of ribozymes?

<p>rRNA (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

DNA as genetic material

DNA carries the instructions for building and functioning of organisms.

DNA Replication in prokaryotes

DNA replication process occurring in bacteria and similar organisms with a single origin of replication, and leading and lagging strands.

Chargaff's Rule

The amount of adenine equals the amount of thymine, and the amount of cytosine equals the amount of guanine in a DNA molecule.

mRNA

A type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, used for protein synthesis.

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Ribozymes

RNA molecules with enzymatic activity.

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Study Notes

DNA as Genetic Material

  • Griffith's experiment demonstrated transformation, suggesting a transferable genetic material.
  • Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty's experiment identified DNA as the transforming principle.
  • Hershey and Chase's experiment definitively proved DNA, not protein, is the genetic material.

RNA as Genetic Material

  • Fraenkel-Conrat and Singer's experiment showed RNA could serve as genetic material in viruses.

Nucleic Acids: Structure of DNA

  • DNA's structure is a double helix.
  • Chargaff's rule states that A pairs with T, and G pairs with C in DNA.
  • DNA exists in different forms: A, B, and Z.

RNA Types, Structure, and Functions

  • mRNA: Carries genetic code from DNA to ribosomes.
  • tRNA (clover leaf model): Carries amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.
  • rRNA: Forms the structural and functional core of the ribosome.
  • Other RNA types exist (e.g., snRNA, siRNA), each with distinct roles.

Ribozymes

  • Ribozymes are RNA molecules with catalytic activity, able to act as enzymes.

DNA Replication: Meselson-Stahl Experiment

  • The Meselson-Stahl experiment supported the semi-conservative model of DNA replication.

DNA Replication in Prokaryotes

  • Initiation involves specific proteins recognizing and binding to the origin of replication.
  • DNA replication is continuous on one strand and discontinuous on the other, creating Okazaki fragments.
  • Replication fork is the area where DNA unwinds and separates.
  • Termination refers to the point at which the replication process ends.
  • DNA polymerase III, DNA polymerase I, and other enzymes are key to DNA replication, each with specific roles in prokaryotes.
  • Different types of replication include theta replication and rolling circle replication.

DNA Replication in Eukaryotes

  • Eukaryotic DNA replication has similar steps and components, but it is more complex due to the presence of multiple origins and a larger genome.

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