Molecular Genetics Check-in Questions: THESE Questions are NOT meant to be an exhaustive list of questions from this topic! These questions are meant for you to practice on how to approach assessments for this course! Note: There are no review questions on basic base pairing rules and codon chart reading…let us know if you need help on those basic questions!!

DNA Replication, Transcription and Translation

1.  Explain what would happen to the length of the chromosome after numerous replications and why?

2.  Fill out the following chart for replication vs. Protein synthesis

Replication / Protein Synthesis
Where?
When?
Purpose
Who are the key players (enzymes, factors, etc.)
Directionality** / ** It matters!
What happens to the finished “product”?

3.  For DNA Transcription and Translation: Prepare a mini-lecture to your friend, draw graphics/key points to illustrate and explain the following topics:

a.  The sequence of events and the key players. (Three stages for each, enzymes, etc.)

b.  How the RNA Polymerase finds the right starting point and ending point?

c.  The significance of introns and exons.

d.  What are some post-transcriptional modifications that happens?

e.  What’s the difference between eukaryotic and prokaryotic transcription/translation processes?

4.  How and why is ATP or GTP used in the translation process?

5.  Make the following tables to compare/contrast these different processes:

Transcription / Translation
Where?
What molecule is the template?
Who are the key players? (important enzymes, factors, etc.)
What is the “product?”

6.  On average, 3-5 errors are found in DNA after each replication, so most cells has multiple mutations. Why do most of us have normally-functioning tissues and organs?

Gene Regulation

7.  Compare and contrast inducible operons vs. repressible operons and give an example of each.

8.  How are these operons examples of positive or negative feedback? Why?

9.  Why is it an evolutionary advantage to be able to turn some genes on and off temporarily or permanently?

10.  If there is a mutation within the lac I regulatory gene of the lac operon, what would happen? Explain your answer.

11.  Explain the importance of p53 and Ras in regulating the cell cycle.