Question 18

How do the structures of nucleic acids relate to their functions of information storage and protein synthesis? [Chapters 16 and 17]

DNA as the Genetic Material (read pages 287-292)

1. The search for the genetic material led to DNA, for a time protein was suspected.

2. Watson and Crick discovered the double helix by building models to conform with x-ray crystallography and other data.

DNA Replication and Repair (pages 293-301)

1. During DNA replication base pairing enables existing DNA strands to serve as templates for new complementary strands.

2. A large team of enzymes and other proteins carries out DNA replication.

3. Enzymes proofread DNA during its replication and repair damage in existing DNA.

4. The ends of DNA molecules are replicated by a special mechanism.

The Connection Between Genes and Proteins (read pages 303-309)

1. The study of metabolic defects provided evidence that genes specify proteins.

2. Transcription and translation are the two main processes linking gene to protein.

3. In the genetic code nucleotide triplets specify amino acids.

4. The genetic code evolved very early in the history of life.

The Synthesis and Processing of RNA (read pages 309-313)

1. Transcription is the DNA-directed synthesis of RNA.

2. Eukaryotic cells modify RNA after transcription.

The Synthesis of Protein (read pages 313-325)

1. Translation is the RNA-directed synthesis of a polypeptide.

2. Signal peptides target some eukaryotic polypeptides to specific destinations in the cell.

3. RNA plays multiple roles in the cell.

4. Compare protein synthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

5. Point mutations can affect protein structure and function.

6. What is a gene?

John C. Murphy	Science
Phone:  (815) 436-3200, ext. 2120
jmurphy@learningcommunity202.org

	Plainfield High School Home Page
Link to District 202 Home Page	Science Home Page

© 2001 Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202.