TOPIC 6.1 DNA and RNA Structure
KEY
Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation
ENDURING UNDERSTANDING IST-1 Heritable information provides for continuity of life.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE
IST-1.K Describe the s
...
TOPIC 6.1 DNA and RNA Structure
KEY
Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation
ENDURING UNDERSTANDING IST-1 Heritable information provides for continuity of life.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE
IST-1.K Describe the structures involved in passing hereditary information from one generation to the next.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE
IST-1.K.1 DNA, and in some cases RNA, is the primary source of heritable information.
IST-1.K.2 Genetic information is transmitted from one generation to the next through DNA or RNA—
a. Genetic information is stored in and passed to subsequent generations through DNA molecules and, in some cases, RNA molecules.
b. Prokaryotic organisms typically have circular chromosomes, while eukaryotic organisms typically have multiple linear chromosomes.
IST-1.K.3 Prokaryotes and eukaryotes can contain plasmids, which are small
extra-chromosomal,
double-stranded, circular DNA
What is the significance of this famous experiment (what does it demonstrate)?
Radioactive protein did not show up inside the bacteria, while radioactive DNA did. This demonstrates that it is DNA, not proteins, that are transforming bacteria, holding genetic information.
How did Crick, Watson, Franklin and Wilkins contribute to our knowledge of DNA?
Combined, they revealed the double helix structure of the DNA molecule.
Draw a plasmid. Where are plasmids found in Prokaryotic cells? Where are they found in Eukaryotic cells (HINT consider the evolution of some Eukaryotic organelles!)?
Plasmids are small rings of DNA free floating inside Prokaryotes. They are also found in mitochondria and chloroplasts (consider the Endosymbiotic Theory that these organelles were once free-living prokaryotes)
Come up with some way to remember (to link the facts together) that A and G are Purines and have a double ring, while C, T, and U are Pyrimidines and have just one ring. Then share your idea with someone and see what idea they came up with!
Answers will vary! Some ideas: AU is the symbol for gold 'pure gold' two gold rings when you get married. Pyrimidines are one ring, like a pie, and you CUT the pie.
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