Questions and Answers
DNA is read in segments called _______?
genes
What is a gene?
A particular sequence of nucleotide bases that code for a protein.
What do the sequence of bases determine?
The sequence the amino acids are in which determines the protein.
Describe Step 1 of the production of proteins in a cell.
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Describe Step 2 of the production of proteins in a cell.
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What are codons?
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What is the relationship between DNA, codons, mRNA, amino acids, and proteins?
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When is tRNA released?
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How many different amino acids are incorporated in the translation process?
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What does the process in the ribosome do?
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What are the possible different properties an amino acid can have?
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What is affected by the amino acids present and their order?
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What forces affect the shape of the protein?
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What are Van der Waals forces?
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What is electrostatic charge?
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What are S-S bonds?
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What are hydrogen bonds?
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Polar amino acids are said to be ________.
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What do hydrophilic amino acids do?
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Nonpolar amino acids are said to be _____________.
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Why do fats not mix with water?
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What will amino acids do in water?
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What will amino acids do in oil?
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What is a mutation?
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What is a point mutation?
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What is a frameshift mutation?
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What is the effect of a mutation?
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What happens when an amino acid with one property is replaced with an amino acid of another property?
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Can changing just one nucleotide in a gene change the shape of a protein?
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Study Notes
DNA and Genes
- DNA is read in segments called genes.
- A gene is a sequence of nucleotide bases coding for a protein.
Amino Acids and Proteins
- The sequence of bases in a gene determines the order of amino acids in a protein.
- Twenty different amino acids are used in translation, arranged according to codons.
Protein Production Steps
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Transcription:
- DNA is transcribed to mRNA by RNA polymerase due to its large size.
- mRNA carries the genetic code from the nucleus to the ribosome.
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Translation:
- mRNA binds to a ribosome which reads it in groups of three bases (codons).
- tRNA with matching anticodons brings specific amino acids to the ribosome.
- This process continues until the entire protein is synthesized.
Codons
- Codons are the three bases on mRNA that specify which amino acid is added to a growing protein.
Protein Structure Influencing Factors
- The shape of a protein is influenced by the properties and order of its amino acids.
- Shape is stabilized by several forces:
- Van der Waals forces: Temporary attractions between atoms.
- Electrostatic charge: Attraction between positive and negative amino acids.
- S-S bonds: Strong covalent bonds formed between sulfur-containing amino acids.
- Hydrogen bonds: Weak bonds formed between polar molecules.
Amino Acid Properties
- Hydrophilic (polar): Attract water and each other; repel hydrophobic amino acids.
- Hydrophobic (nonpolar): Repel water; attract other hydrophobic amino acids.
- Fats don't mix with water due to their hydrophobic nature.
Amino Acid Behavior in Different Environments
- In water: Hydrophilic amino acids spread out; hydrophobic amino acids clump together.
- In oil: Hydrophilic amino acids clump together; hydrophobic amino acids spread out.
Mutations
- A mutation is a change in one or more bases in DNA.
- Point mutation: Change in a single base.
- Frameshift mutation: Addition or deletion of a base affecting the entire downstream sequence.
- Mutations can alter codons and subsequently change the amino acids and protein shape.
- Even a single nucleotide change can significantly affect protein shape, as seen in conditions like Tay Sachs and Sickle Cell anemia.
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Description
Test your knowledge on DNA and genes with these flashcards. This quiz covers essential concepts such as the definition of genes, the role of nucleotide bases, and the transcription step in protein production. Perfect for biology students looking to reinforce their understanding.