A.Genetic Information Is Transmitted from Generation to the Next Through DNA Or RNA

I.Essential knowledge 3.A.1 DNA, and in some cases RNA, is the primary source of heritable information.

A.Genetic information is transmitted from generation to the next through DNA or RNA.

1.How/Where is genetic information stored in DNA (and sometimes RNA)?

2.Compare eukaryotic chromosomes with noneukarytoic chromosomes.

3.What is a plasmid and what types of organisms have them?

4.Explain the historical experiments that proved that DNA is the carrier of genetic information:

a)Watson, Crick, Wilkins and Franklin on the structure of DNA.

b)Griffith Experiment

c)Avery-MacLeod-McCarty Experiments

d)Hershey-Chase Experiment

5.DNA replication ensures continuity of hereditary information.

a)Explain the semiconservative process of DNA replication.

b)Describe the steps of DNA replication. Be sure to include the following in your description: DNA polymerase, ligase, helicase, toperisomerase, leading strand and lagging strand.

6.How does the transmission of hereditary information differ for a retrovirus?

B.DNA and RNA molecules have structural similarities and differences that define function.

1.Describe the building block of nucleic acids. Give details about each component of the building block.

2.Identify the basic structural differences between DNA and RNA.

3.Specific nucleotide base pairing has been conserved through evolution. Explain what that base paring pattern is in DNA and RNA. Be sure to identify bases as pyrimidines or purines.

4.The sequence of the RNA bases, together with the structure of the RNA molecule, determines RNA function. Explain the structure and function of each type of RNA.

a)Messenger RNA

b)Transfer RNA

c)Ribosomal RNA

C.Genetic information flows from a sequence of nucleotides in a gene to a sequence of amino acids in a protein.

1.Explain the process of transcription (DNA to RNA). Be sure to include RNA polymerase and the direction of transcription in your explanation.

2.Describe the “editing” process messenger RNA goes through prior to exiting the nucleus.

3.Explain the process of translation (RNA to protein). Be sure to include the following terms in your explanation: initiation complex, codon recognition, peptide bond formation, translocation and termination.

II.Essential Knowledge 3.C.1: Changes in genotype can result in changes in phenotype.

A.Using Sickle Cell Anemia as an example, explain how alterations in DNA sequence can lead to changes in the type or amount of the protein produced and the consequent phenotype.

B.Errors in DNA replication or DNA repair mechanisms, and external factors, including radiation and reactive chemicals, can cause random changes, e.g., mutations in DNA.

1.Discuss the various small scale mutations and how they impact the protein produced. Be sure to include the following types of mutations: silent, missense, nonsense, frameshift (1 pair insertion, 1 pair deletion and 3 pair deletion.

2.Explain the various causes for mutations.