DNA AND GENOMICS

1 EJC H2 Biology T2W6 DNA & Genomics DNA & Genomics 1. Overview of Topic Genetic information is stored in an organism’s DNA; expression of genes results in the synthesis of functional products, such as rRNA, tRNA and proteins. These products play a role in intra - and extra -cellular biochemical pathways and influence the physiological processes in organisms. Genomes contain heritable information necessary for continuity of life at all levels: cell, organism and system. This information is stored and passed on to subsequent generations via DNA. Reproduction can occur at the cellular or organismal level; each progeny needs to receive heritable genetic information from its parent/s. 2. Learning Outcomes (a) describe the structure and roles of DNA and RNA (tRNA, rRNA and mRNA) (knowledge of mitochondrial DNA is not required) (b) describe the process of DNA replication and how the end replication problem arises (c) describe how the information on DNA is used to synthesise polypeptides in prokaryotes and eukaryotes (description of the processes of transcri ption, formation of mRNA from pre-mRNA and translation is required) (d) describe the structure and organisation of viral, prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes (including DNA/RNA, single -/double-stranded, number of nucleotides, packing of DNA, linearity/circularity and presence/absence of introns) 3. References Reece, J. B., Urry, L. A., Cain, M. L., Wasserman, S. A., Minorsky, P. V. and Jackson, R. B. (2011) Campbell Biology (Ninth Edition) (Pearson Higher Education) ISBN 0321739752 Contents 1. Overview of Topic ................................................................................................... 1 2. Learning Outcomes ................................................................................................ 1 3. References ............................................................................................................... 1 4. Nucleotides .............................................................................................................. 2 5. DNA structure .......................................................................................................... 5 6. RNA Structure ......................................................................................................... 7 7. DNA replication ..................................................................................................... 12 8. The Genetic Code ................................................................................................. 20 9. Protein synthesis ................................................................................................... 22 Transcription .............................................................................................................. 23 Translation ................................................................................................................. 27

2 EJC H2 B