The Molecular Basis of Life: DNA Replication

BIO101 Unit 12

The Molecular Basis of Life: DNA Replication,

Protein Synthesis & Mitosis

Study Guide

I. Structure of DNA

A. James Watson & Francis Crick

B. DNA is a polynucleotide

C. The pentose sugar

D. The Four Nitrogen Bases

E. DNA Notes

1. double helix

2. sides of a ladder

II. Molecular Reproduction

A. define

B. Three Types of molecular reproduction:

1. DNA replication

2. RNA Transcription

3. Protein Synthesis (Translation)

C. Replication of DNA

1. When does it occur

2. Molecule “unzips”

3. templates

4. Diagram showing DNA replication

D. Protein Synthesis

1. gene

2. When does protein synthesis occur?

3. How does it occur?

E. RNA

1. The three types of RNA

a. messenger RNA (mRNA)

b. ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

c. transfer RNA (tRNA)

2. Structure of RNA

F. The Two Processes of Protein Synthesis

1. Transcription

2. Translation

G. The Genetic Code

1. triplet code

2. codon

3. How many codes per amino acids

4. The code is universal

H. RNA Transcription

1. Transcription in the Nucleus

2. Codons vs. Triplett code

I. Translation

1. The second step

2. During Translation:

3. The two other RNAs

J. Transfer RNA

1. Function of tRNA during translation

2. Anticodons of tRNA and codons of mRNA

K. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

1. Called structural RNA

2. Where are they found in the cytoplasm

3. Site of Protein Synthesis

4. As a binding site

5. relationship to mRNA and tRNA

6. When does translation end?

L. Review of Protein Synthesis

1. Triplett Code

2. transcription

3. translation

4. tRNA and amino acids

III. Functions of DNA

A. DNA is genetic material

B. replication

C. DNA’s role in protein synthesis

IV. Cell Reproduction

A. Define

1. Mitosis

2. cytokinesis

a. apoptosis

V. Mitosis

A. Defined as:

B. Continuous process described in five phases:

VI. Interphase

A. The four activities occurring during this phase:

1. DNA replication

2. increase in cell size

3. organelles

4. chromosomes

VII. Prophase

A. Nuclear membrane

B. nucleolus

C. sister chromatids

D. centrioles, spindle fibers, asters

E. Draw a Diagram of Chromosomes as Sister Chromatids

VIII. Metaphase

A. Chromosomes line up along the equator

B. spindle fibers and centromere

IX. Anaphase

A. actions of spindle fibers

B. movement of chromosomes

X. Telophase

A. cytokinesis

B. DNA

C. Nuclear membrane and nucleolus

D. Centrioles

E. Cytokinesis in Animal Cells

1. cleavage furrow

2. What occurs?

3. cytokinesis completes cell division

XI. Interphase

A. cells return to normal

B. How long does the cell remain in interphase?

XII. Cytokinesis in Plants & Other Differences

A. Rigid cell walls

B. Cell Plate

C. Cellulose

D. Plant Cells lack centrioles