DNA and Protein Synthesis Study Guide A. Structure and Function of DNA 1. Which macromolecule is DNA? Nucleic Acid 2. What does DNA stand for? Deoxyribonucleic Acid 3. What is the structure of DNA called? Double Helix 4. What are the four main functions of DNA? 1. Store genetic information, 2. Pass on hereditary information, 3. Control the cell cycle, 4. Control Protein Synthesis 5. Draw a nucleotide and label the three parts.

6. List the 4 nitrogen base options. Then, show which are base pairs. Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, and Guanine; A with T and C with G 7. What forms the backbone of the DNA molecule? Sugar and phosphate 8. What forms the rungs (inside) of the DNA molecule? Nitrogen bases 9. State which bases are purines and which bases are pyrimidines. A&G are purines; C&T are pyrimidines B. DNA Replication 1. What is the goal of DNA replication? When would a cell need to perform DNA replication? DNA replicates so that there is another full copy of DNA; This is needed so that the body can make more cells to repair and grow. 2. List the three enzymes involved with DNA replication and describe their roles. Polymerase – builds DNA & checks for errors, Helicase – unzips the helix, Ligase – Connects the strands 3. Find the complimentary side of the following DNA strand AAT GCG ACG GTA. TTA CGC TGC CAT 4. Describe one way DNA is checked for errors. Polymerase goes back over DNA and removes/replaces incorrect bases. 5. Summarize what can happen if replication has uncorrected errors. Mutations – changes in the DNA. This can cause a cell to function improperly. The body kills these cells, but if missed, can cause cancer/tumors. C. Protein Synthesis 1. List three structural differences between RNA and DNA. List two things they have in common. RNA is a single helix, RNA has ribose sugar, RNA has uracil instead of thymine 2. List the base pairing rules of making RNA. If DNA has an A, RNA uses a U. If DNA has a T, RNA uses an A. C and G pair together 3. Describe what a codon is. A group of THREE nitrogen bases that are read together. 4. Explain the significance of the start codon and the stop codons. It lets the ribosome know when to begin and stop making a protein 5. Transcribe the DNA strand into RNA - AAT GCG ACG GTA. UUA CGC UGC CAU 6. Contrast transcription and translation (include where they occur, what is made, and a summary of what happens). Transcription – happens in the nucleus; RNA is made; a section of DNA is written into an RNA message Translation – happens at the ribosome; Protein is made; RNA read and protein built D. Cell Differentiation and Mutations 1. Contrast the three types of mutations. Insertion – Base pairs added, Deletion – Base pairs removed; Substitution/Point – Base pair switched 2. Explain 3 different scenarios of what can happen because of mutations. Nothing – same protein made Positive – A good trait is gained Negative – Something is no longer functioning 3. What is cell specialization? Cells produce certain proteins and are structured for a specific job 4. Summarize what causes cell specialization? Certain genes are turned on/off in the cell’s DNA E. Mitosis 1. Define mitosis. Division of the cell’s genetic material. 2. Give three reasons mitosis occurs. 1. Growth, 2. Repair, 3. Replace 3. What kind of cells complete mitosis? Somatic (body) cells 4. Compare the parent and daughter cells. They are all identical genetically