Nucleic Acids and Proteins Overview

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Questions and Answers

What are the building blocks (monomers) of nucleic acids?

  • Amino acids
  • Fatty acids
  • Nucleotides (correct)
  • Monosaccharides

Which of the following best describes the work of Johann Miescher?

  • He determined that genes are carried on chromosomes.
  • He first purified DNA. (correct)
  • He developed the process of alkaline lysis to break down proteins
  • He discovered the structure of DNA.

What is the relationship between base pairs and the length of DNA molecules?

  • Base pairs come in pairs kaya base pairs
  • The sequence of base pairs determines the function of DNA, but not its length.
  • The number of base pairs indicates the length of the DNA; a higher number of base pairs means the DNA is longer. (correct)
  • The size of nitrogen bases indicates the length of the DNA sequence.

During nucleic acid isolation, alkaline lysis is used for what purpose?

<p>Breaking open cells to release DNA (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is correct about proteins and nucleic acids, based on the context?

<p>Proteins are a major macromolecule in the body, while nucleic acids are another type of macromolecule. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of DNA Polymerase 3?

<p>Catalyzing the addition of dNTPs to the growing DNA strand. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following enzymes is also known as RNAseH?

<p>DNA Polymerase 1 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of restriction endonucleases?

<p>Cutting DNA at specific nucleotide sequences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which direction is the lagging strand synthesized?

<p>Away from the replication fork in a discontinuous manner. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Polymerase 1 in DNA replication?

<p>To remove the primer in a DNA strand. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a DNA template strand has the sequence 3'-GATC-5', what would be the corresponding sequence on the newly synthesized strand?

<p>5'-CTAG-3' (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following enzymes is responsible for degrading nucleic acids?

<p>Nucleases (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the leading strand?

<p>The synthesis of the DNA is leading towards the replication fork. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of methyltransferase enzymes?

<p>To transfer a methyl group to DNA, making it resistant to restriction enzymes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for a bacteria's own nucleic acid to be methylated?

<p>To ensure the bacteria's restriction enzymes do not cut its own DNA. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of restriction enzymes (endonucleases) in bacteria?

<p>To protect the bacteria from invading bacteriophages by cutting their nucleic acid. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of helicases?

<p>Separating the sugar-phosphate backbones in both strands of DNA. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method of genetic information recombination in asexually reproducing organisms?

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

What is the difference between 'direct' and 'indirect' transfer in the context of genetic recombination in asexually reproducing organisms, as exemplified by conjugation and transduction respectively?

<p>Direct transfer (conjugation) involves physical contact and transfer between cells, while indirect transfer (transduction) uses a carries such as a virus. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following modifies or deletes nucleic acids?

<p>Transformation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following enzymes is responsible for breaking the sugar-phosphate backbone of DNA?

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

What is the primary function of DNA ligase?

<p>Catalyzing the formation of phosphodiester bonds (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of plasmids, as described in the text?

<p>They are composed of RNA. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes RNA from DNA in terms of nitrogenous bases?

<p>RNA contains uracil instead of thymine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) within a cell?

<p>To form a structural and functional part of ribosomes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of enzyme degrades DNA from free 3’ hydroxyl or 5’ phosphate ends?

<p>Nucleases (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of methyltransferases?

<p>Adding methyl groups to nitrogen bases (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the size range of most plasmids?

<p>2,000 to 100,000 base pairs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the total cellular RNA does ribosomal RNA (rRNA) constitute?

<p>80% to 90% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

How does mitochondrial DNA inheritance differ from nuclear DNA inheritance?

<p>Mitochondrial DNA is inherited from the mother only, while nuclear DNA is inherited from both parents. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What charge do nucleotides carry?

<p>Negative charge (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines a zwitter ion?

<p>An ion that can change its charge based on pH (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What enzyme is responsible for catalyzing the process of transcription of DNA into RNA?

<p>RNA polymerase (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure represents the three-dimensional arrangement of amino acids in a protein?

<p>Tertiary structure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does blood pH influence its overall charge?

<p>Slightly alkaline pH results in fewer positive charges (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of RNA is involved in translating the information from mRNA into proteins?

<p>Transfer RNA (tRNA) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a karyotype used for?

<p>Checking for chromosomal abnormalities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of transcription occurs continuously regardless of cellular conditions?

<p>Constitutive Transcription (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What classification of RNA-degrading enzymes includes enzymes that cut RNA at specific sites within the molecule?

<p>Endoribonucleases (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure results from the interaction of multiple polypeptide chains?

<p>Quaternary structure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the phenotypic expression of an organism?

<p>The observable physical traits of the organism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What determines the characteristics of each amino acid?

<p>Nature of the amino acid side chain (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which stage does DNA create an identical copy of itself?

<p>Interphase (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes proteins?

<p>Polymers of amino acids (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical size range of transfer RNA (tRNA) in terms of base pairs?

<p>73 to 93 bases (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly distinguishes between proteome and genome?

<p>Proteome refers to the complete set of proteins, while genome refers to the complete set of DNA. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Nucleic Acids

Macromolecules made of long chains of nucleotides; include DNA and RNA.

Base Pairs

Units of the length of DNA formed by nitrogenous base pairs.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; a type of nucleic acid that carries genetic instructions.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid; a type of nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis.

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Mendel’s Law

Principles of heredity proposed by Gregor Mendel in 1865.

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Palindromic

Reads the same forward and backward.

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Helicases

Enzymes that separate sugar-phosphate backbones of DNA strands.

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Recombination

Mixture and assembly of new genetic combinations during sexual reproduction.

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Methyltransferases

Enzymes that add a methyl group to DNA, protecting it from restriction enzymes.

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Restriction Enzymes

Enzymes that cut nucleic acid sequences, often used for defense by bacteria.

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Conjugation

Direct transfer of genetic material between bacteria.

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Transduction

Transfer of genetic material via a virus carrier in bacteria.

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Transformation

Process of altering nucleic acids in bacteria for recombination.

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Endonucleases

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences.

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Polymerase 3

DNA polymerase that adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand.

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Leading Strand

Strand synthesized continuously towards the replication fork.

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Lagging Strand

Strand synthesized in fragments away from the replication fork.

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RNAse H

Enzyme that removes RNA primers during DNA replication.

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Restriction Endonucleases

A type of endonuclease that cuts DNA at specific sites.

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Primer

Short segment of RNA needed to initiate DNA synthesis.

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DNA Ligase

Enzyme that catalyzes phosphodiester bond formation between DNA ends.

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Plasmids

Small, circular DNA molecules that can carry genetic information.

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Nucleases

Enzymes that degrade DNA from ends, either 3' or 5', breaking it down.

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Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

The major component of ribosomes, crucial for protein synthesis.

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Types of rRNA

Different species of rRNA, including 16S, 23S, and 5S found in prokaryotes.

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Pre-rRNA

The precursor molecule that is processed into mature rRNA.

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Mitochondrial DNA

DNA found in mitochondria, inherited maternally.

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Antibiotic-Resistant Genes

Genes that confer resistance to antibiotics, often found in plasmids.

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Nucleotide

A molecule with a negative charge that forms the building blocks of nucleic acids.

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Zwitter Ion

A molecule that can carry both positive and negative charges depending on pH.

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Blood pH

Normal pH range of blood is 7.35 to 7.45, slightly alkaline.

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Primary Structure

The linear sequence of amino acids in a protein, linked by peptide bonds.

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Secondary Structure

The regular folding of regions of the polypeptide chain, such as alpha-helices and beta-sheets.

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Tertiary Structure

The 3D arrangement of all amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

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Quaternary Structure

The interaction and arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains in a protein.

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Karyotype

An individual's complete set of chromosomes, used to identify abnormalities.

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mRNA Transcription

The process of copying DNA into messenger RNA.

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RNA Polymerase

An enzyme that catalyzes the transcription of RNA from a DNA template.

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Ribosomes

Cellular structures that facilitate translation of mRNA into proteins.

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Transfer RNA (tRNA)

Molecules that help decode mRNA into a protein by bringing amino acids.

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Constitutive Transcription

Transcription that occurs continuously, regardless of cellular conditions.

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Inducible Transcription

Transcription activated only under specific conditions or signals.

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Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins, each with unique biochemical properties.

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Proteins

Polymers of amino acids that perform various functions in organisms.

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Study Notes

Nucleic Acids and Proteins

  • Nucleic acids and proteins are macromolecules in the body.
  • Proteins are a major macromolecule in the body.
  • Nucleic acids include DNA and RNA.

History of Molecular Diagnosis

  • 1865: Mendel's Law of Heredity described inheritance patterns.
  • 1866: Johann Miescher purified DNA.
  • 1866: Attempts to isolate DNA via alkaline lysis (using sodium hydroxide).
  • 1949: Discovery that genes contain genetic material.
  • 1953: James Watson and Francis Crick determined the DNA structure.
  • 1970: DNA structure (the helical shape) characterized.
  • 1977: DNA sequencing developed.
  • 1985: PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) developed by Kary Mullis.
  • 2001: Complete human genome sequence published.
  • 2006: Complete human genome project version released.

Nucleic Acids

  • Nucleic acids are polymers of nucleotides.
  • Nucleotides consist of sugar, nitrogen base, and phosphate.
  • There are two main types: DNA and RNA.
  • DNA is typically double stranded.
  • RNA is typically single stranded.
  • Differentiate based on their structure, not just strand number.

Structure of DNA and RNA

  • The sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, while it is ribose in RNA.
  • Nitrogen bases in DNA: adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine DNA
  • Nitrogen bases in RNA: adenine, guanine, cytosine, uracil
  • The nitrogenous bases are specific and pair according to a pattern.
  • Adenine pairs with Thymine (or Uracil in RNA), and
  • Cytosine pairs with Guanine.
  • Two hydrogen bonds form between A and T in DNA (or A & U in RNA),
  • Three hydrogen bonds form between C and G.
  • Phosphates are on the 5' end and hydroxyls are on the 3' end.
  • The structure is a double helix (DNA), which protects the bases inside.

DNA Replication

  • DNA replication is an enzymatic process.
  • The process makes two identical strands of DNA from one original strand.
  • RNA primers are needed.
  • Enzymes, such as DNA polymerase and ligase, catalyze this process.
  • Semiconservative replication creates new DNA molecules that each consist of one original and one new strand.

DNA Replication Enzymes

  • DNA Polymerase: The key enzyme for adding nucleotides to the growing DNA strand.
  • Helicase: Unwinds the DNA double helix.
  • Single-stranded binding proteins: Prevent the separated strands from rejoining.
  • Topoisomerase: Relieves strain on the DNA ahead of the replication fork.
  • Primase: Creates RNA primers, essential for DNA polymerase to start replication.
  • Ligase: Seals together the fragments on the lagging strand.

Restriction Enzymes

  • Three types of restriction endonucleases exist.
  • They cut DNA at specific sequences.
  • They're used to degrade nucleic acids
  • They are used in genetic engineering (molecular biology).

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