IMG_9746.jpeg

# DNA Structure and Protein Synthesis ## Inheritance Patterns * **Homozygous:** When both inherited alleles are the same (e.g., two dominant alleles or two recessive alleles). * **Heterozygous:** When one inherited allele is dominant, and the other is recessive. * **Genotype:** The combination of...

# DNA Structure and Protein Synthesis ## Inheritance Patterns * **Homozygous:** When both inherited alleles are the same (e.g., two dominant alleles or two recessive alleles). * **Heterozygous:** When one inherited allele is dominant, and the other is recessive. * **Genotype:** The combination of alleles an individual possesses (e.g., Aa). * **Phenotype:** The observed physical characteristics of an individual (e.g., eye color). * **Codominance:** When neither allele is dominant over the other, and both contribute to the phenotype (e.g., speckled chicken). ## DNA Structure DNA is deoxyribonucleic acid, a double helix composed of two strands. Each nucleotide in DNA consists of the following: * A sugar molecule * A phosphate group * One of four nitrogenous bases (A, C, G, T). The bases pair in a complementary manner: C with G, and A with T. These nucleotides join to form a long strand. ## Protein Synthesis Protein synthesis involves several crucial steps: 1. **DNA unwinding and unzipping**: The DNA double helix uncoils and separates. 2. **mRNA synthesis (transcription)**: mRNA nucleotides match to the DNA strand's complementary bases, forming a new mRNA strand (template). 3. **mRNA transport**: The mRNA template leaves the nucleus. 4. **Protein synthesis (translation)**: The mRNA template moves to ribosomes in the cytoplasm for protein synthesis. ## Additional Notes * DNA molecules are very long and located within structures called chromosomes. * Genetic information on DNA codes for the production of proteins. * Each group of three bases (codon) in DNA codes for a specific amino acid.