This unit was about DNA and what it does. DNA contains the code for all life. It is made of a double helix that is connected by nucleotides. The nitrogen bases are purines (Adenine and Guanine), and pyrimidines (Thymine and Cytosine). Adenine (A) pairs up with thymine (T). Cytosine (C) and guanine (G) pair up.
DNA is unzipped by enzymes. DNA polymerase uses one of the strands as a template to add matching nucleotides to it. DNA codes for proteins. First, DNA is made into mRNA by RNA polymerase that matches spare nucleotides to make single stranded RNA. This is transcription. Second is translation. mRNA arrives at the ribosomes, which read codons to make amino acids which become proteins.
Sometimes there can be mutations. Point mutations change one or two bases. They can be substituted, inserted, or deleted. If the mutation occurs at the start then it is likely to be more harmful.
We also learned about gene regulation. The genes can be turned on or off based on when it needs to. It is extremely complex in human cells. In bacteria for lactose, a repressor molecule is attached to the operator to stop RNA polymerase from working. However, when lactose is present the repressor is detached and the gene for making lactase to break down lactose is created.
I found this unit to be relatively short and easy, however gene regulation is a little complicated and confusing. I tried using reading to learn by re writing key points on flashcards and quizzing myself. It worked quite well. I am a better student today because I understand more about previous unites, especially unit 4 and 3 which had to do with genetics and cells. I have a bunch of unanswered questions. Can we change someones DNA? How does the mRNA get to the ribosome? How do the ribosomes make the amino acids from the codons? What happens to the other DNA strand that does not take place in making mRNA? Can we ever clone humans? \
DNA is unzipped by enzymes. DNA polymerase uses one of the strands as a template to add matching nucleotides to it. DNA codes for proteins. First, DNA is made into mRNA by RNA polymerase that matches spare nucleotides to make single stranded RNA. This is transcription. Second is translation. mRNA arrives at the ribosomes, which read codons to make amino acids which become proteins.
Sometimes there can be mutations. Point mutations change one or two bases. They can be substituted, inserted, or deleted. If the mutation occurs at the start then it is likely to be more harmful.
We also learned about gene regulation. The genes can be turned on or off based on when it needs to. It is extremely complex in human cells. In bacteria for lactose, a repressor molecule is attached to the operator to stop RNA polymerase from working. However, when lactose is present the repressor is detached and the gene for making lactase to break down lactose is created.
I found this unit to be relatively short and easy, however gene regulation is a little complicated and confusing. I tried using reading to learn by re writing key points on flashcards and quizzing myself. It worked quite well. I am a better student today because I understand more about previous unites, especially unit 4 and 3 which had to do with genetics and cells. I have a bunch of unanswered questions. Can we change someones DNA? How does the mRNA get to the ribosome? How do the ribosomes make the amino acids from the codons? What happens to the other DNA strand that does not take place in making mRNA? Can we ever clone humans? \
A picture of extracted DNA
DNA replication
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:0323_DNA_Replication.jpg
This was good. Very helpful👍
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