S7: Chapter 4.4 DNA Study Questions

Questions and Answers

Where in a cell is DNA found?

nucleus

A segment of DNA that codes for a protein is called a ____________________?

gene

What 4 bases make up DNA molecules?

Adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine

Describe the shape of a DNA molecule.

Long, twisted zipper or a double helix Signup and view all the answers

What are the base pairing rules?

A and T bind together and C and G bind together Signup and view all the answers

What are the steps of DNA replication?

<ol> <li>Enzyme breaks bond between bases (unzipping of the strand) and strands separate. 2. New bases (found in cytoplasm) match up with the old strand. 3. Sugar and phosphate form the sides of each new strand.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

The order of nitrogen bases determines the type of _____________________ that is assembled?

the sequence of amino acids Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of DNA?

DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. It is made up of molecules called nucleotides. The two sides of the DNA ladder are made up of sugars and phosphates. Each rung of the DNA ladder is made up of a pair of nitrogen bases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between an amino acid and a protein?

Amino acids are molecules linked together to form proteins. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic structure of a nucleotide?

Each nucleotide contains a phosphate group, a sugar group, and a nitrogen base. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the double helix shape in DNA important?

The patterns of nucleotides tell your cells to make proteins. Signup and view all the answers

When does DNA replication process occur in the cell cycle?

mitosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of DNA replication?

DNA replication ensures that each daughter cell will have the genetic information it needs to carry out its activities. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the process of DNA replication.

During DNA replication, a DNA molecule unzips between its paired bases. New bases pair with the bases on each old strand. As a result, two identical DNA strands form. Signup and view all the answers

What does a gene code for?

The order of the nitrogen bases along a gene forms a genetic code that specifies what type of protein will be produced. Signup and view all the answers

What determines what type of protein will be made?

The genetic code determines what type of protein will be made. Signup and view all the answers

How does a cell produce proteins?

The production of proteins is called protein synthesis. During protein synthesis, the cell uses information from a gene on a chromosome to produce a specific protein. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during protein synthesis?

During protein synthesis, the cell uses information from a gene on a chromosome to produce a specific protein. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the nucleus in protein synthesis?

The nucleus is the place where protein synthesis begins. To make a protein, mRNA copies information from DNA in the nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of DNA in protein synthesis?

The DNA molecule serves as a pattern for making mRNA. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?

Messenger RNA (mRNA) brings the coded message from the DNA in the nucleus and carries the message to the ribosome in the cytoplasm. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of tRNA in protein synthesis?

Transfer RNA (tRNA) carries amino acids to the ribosome and adds them to the growing protein. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of amino acids in protein synthesis?

tRNA carries specific amino acids to the ribosome and attaches them to the mRNA. Signup and view all the answers

What are the different kinds of RNA and what do they do specifically?

<ol> <li>Messenger RNA (mRNA) copies the coded message from the DNA in the nucleus and carries the message to the ribosome. 2. Transfer RNA (tRNA) carries amino acids to the ribosome and adds them to the growing protein.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the step by step process of protein synthesis.

<ol> <li>A copy of the gene (DNA) is made (called mRNA). 2. mRNA leaves the nucleus and carries the code into the cytoplasm, attaching to a ribosome. 3. The message is read by tRNA which attaches to the mRNA, carrying specific amino acids. 4. Each tRNA brings the correct amino acid and a specific protein is made.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between DNA base pairs and RNA base pairs?

DNA base pairs = A-T and C-G; RNA base pairs = A-U (uracil) and C-G Signup and view all the answers

What are the different types of mutations?

Some mutations are the result of small changes in an organism's hereditary material, such as base substitutions or removal of one or more bases. Other mutations occur during meiosis when chromosomes don't separate correctly. Signup and view all the answers

What are the effects of mutations?

The effects of mutation can be harmful, helpful, or neutral. A harmful mutation can reduce an organism's chance for survival, while a helpful mutation can improve survival and reproduction. Signup and view all the answers

What forms the genetic code?

The order of the nitrogen bases along a gene forms a genetic code that specifies what type of protein will be produced. Signup and view all the answers

How can mutations affect an organism?

Mutations can cause a cell to produce an incorrect protein, potentially altering the organism's phenotype. They can be helpful or harmful depending on environmental conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between a gene, a DNA molecule, and a protein?

Genes produce specific proteins based on the information encoded in DNA. The order of nitrogen bases in a gene determines the protein's structure and function. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the three scientists that helped to discover and figure out the structure of DNA?

Rosalind Franklin, James Watson, and Francis Crick Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

DNA Location and Structure

DNA is located in the nucleus of the cell.
It is structured as a double helix, resembling a twisted ladder.

Genetic Information

A gene is a DNA segment that encodes for a protein.
DNA consists of four nitrogen bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T).
Base pairing rules dictate that A pairs with T, and C pairs with G.

DNA Replication

Occurs predominantly during mitosis for cell division.
Involves three main steps: unzipping the DNA, pairing new bases with old ones, and forming sugar-phosphate backbones.

Protein Synthesis Process

Protein synthesis entails using mRNA to produce proteins based on genetic information.
Begins in the nucleus where mRNA copies DNA.
mRNA travels to ribosomes in the cytoplasm for protein assembly.
tRNA delivers amino acids to ribosomes, linking them according to mRNA code.

RNA Types and Functions

Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic message from DNA to ribosomes.
Transfer RNA (tRNA) transports specific amino acids to ribosomes.

Mutations

Mutations may involve changes in DNA that can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral.
They can result from errors during DNA replication or chromosomal inaccuracies during meiosis.
Impact of mutations may affect protein production, influencing traits and survival.

Genetic Code and Protein Synthesis

The genetic code is determined by the sequence of nitrogen bases in genes, with groups of three coding for specific amino acids.
Key for proper protein synthesis as it dictates the formation and sequence of proteins.

Historical Contributions

Rosalind Franklin contributed to the understanding of DNA's spiral form.
James Watson and Francis Crick were instrumental in elucidating the structural model of DNA.

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Test your knowledge of DNA concepts with these flashcards focused on Chapter 4.4. This quiz covers essential topics including the location of DNA in cells, the structure of DNA, and the properties of genes. Perfect for students seeking to reinforce their understanding of molecular biology.