Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis (HL)
Nucleic acids play a crucial role in the genetic architecture of life, with DNA and RNA serving distinct functions in encoding, transmitting, and reflecting genetic information. Understanding the nuances of nucleic acid structures, replication processes, gene expression mechanisms, and the impact of mutations are fundamental to the field of molecular biology.
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Sections
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What we have learnt
- DNA consists of nucleotides formed from deoxyribose sugar, phosphate, and nitrogenous bases.
- Replication of DNA is semi-conservative, and involves key enzymes like helicase and DNA polymerase.
- Gene expression is tightly regulated at various stages, including transcription and translation.
Key Concepts
- -- DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
- A molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in growth, development, functioning, and reproduction.
- -- RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)
- A molecule essential in various biological roles including coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.
- -- Transcription
- The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.
- -- Translation
- The process where ribosomes synthesize proteins using the mRNA sequence.
- -- Mutation
- A change in a DNA sequence that may lead to altered gene function or traits.
Additional Learning Materials
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