Nucleic Acids
DNA and RNA both built of nucleotides containing Sugar (deoxyribose or ribose) Nitrogenous base (ATCG or AUCG) Phosphate group
DNA
The DNA backbone Phosphate groups and pentose sugars
The 5' end of each strand has a free phosphate group attached to the 5' carbon of the pentose sugar.
The 3' end has a free hydroxyl group attached to the 3' carbon of the pentose sugar.
DNA
DNA synthesis occurs in the 5' to 3' direction in both strands.
The DNA strands are antiparallel 5' end of one is
associated with the 3' end of the other.
The DNA ladder is twisted into a double helix Ten base pairs occur
per turn.
DNA Replication DNA must replicate itself
prior to cell division. Enzymes are responsible
for each step of replication, including proofreading.
The helix unwinds, separates, and each half acts as a template for the formation of a new complementary strand. Reaction catalyzed by
DNA polymerase.
Gene Expression
Gene expression – the use of information in DNA to direct the production of particular proteins. Transcription – first stage of gene
expression. A messenger RNA (mRNA) is synthesized from a gene within DNA.
Translation – second stage – mRNA is used to direct production of a protein.
DNA Coding DNA codes for
the sequence of amino acids in a protein.
A codon is three base-pairs long and is a segment of mRNA that codes for an amino acid.
Transcription
Before leaving the nucleus, segments of mRNA called introns are removed and the exons are spliced together. Exons contain the information coding for the
protein that will be synthesized.
Translation
Translation occurs on ribosomes outside the nucleus.
mRNA attaches to a ribosome and protein synthesis begins.