Nucleic acids
What are the two types of nucleic acids?
DNA and RNA
What is the purpose of DNA replication?
To create an identical copy of DNA for cell division or repair
What is the central dogma of molecular biology?
The flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein
What is a mutation?
A permanent alteration in the DNA sequence of a gene
What is gene expression?
The process by which information from a gene is used to create a functional product, typically a protein
Name the three components of a nucleotide.
Sugar, phosphate, and nitrogenous base
Name three enzymes responsible for DNA replication.
Helicase, DNA polymerase (I and III), DNA ligase, Topoisomerase
Name the three types of single stranded nucleic acids involved in protein synthesis.
mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA
Name two types of gene mutations.
Base substitution and frameshift mutations (addition or deletion)
Name two factors that can regulate gene expression.
Transcription factors and epigenetic modifications (tags)
What is the primary function of nucleic acids?
To store and transmit genetic information
Describe the process of DNA replication.
The double-stranded DNA unwinds, and each strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand
What is the role of ribosomes in protein synthesis?
Ribosomes facilitate the assembly of amino acids into polypeptide chains during translation
What are the potential causes of mutations?
Mutations can occur spontaneously or be induced by various factors such as chemicals, radiation, or errors during DNA replication
What is the role of transcription factors?
Transcription factors bind to DNA and control the rate of gene transcription
How does RNA differ from DNA in terms of structure?
RNA is single-stranded, while DNA is double-stranded
What are the leading and lagging strands in DNA replication?
The leading strand is synthesized continuously, while the lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously in small fragments called Okazaki fragments
Explain the process of transcription.
DNA is used as a template to synthesize a complementary mRNA molecule
How can gene editing technologies be used to treat genetic disorders?
Gene editing can be used to correct or modify faulty genes responsible for genetic disorders
Explain the process of alternative splicing.
Alternative splicing involves the selective inclusion/exclusion of different exons in mRNA, resulting in the production of multiple protein isoforms from a single gene
Explain the role of DNA and RNA in protein synthesis.
DNA contains the instructions for protein synthesis, while RNA helps in the actual production of proteins
What is the role of primers in DNA replication?
Primers provide a starting point for DNA polymerase to begin synthesis
What is the role of tRNA in translation?
tRNA carries amino acids to the ribosome and matches them with the codons on mRNA
Explain the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system
CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene editing tool that uses a guide RNA molecule and the Cas9 enzyme to target and cut specific DNA sequences for modification
What is the significance of epigenetics?
Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype that occur without changes in the underlying DNA sequence. It can be influenced by environmental factors and play a role in development and disease.