Protein Synthesis & Selection 4.2

Question 1

Define the term ‘Degenerate’

Answer 1

Amino acids are coded for by more than one base triplet

Question 2

Define the term ‘Non-Overlapping DNA’

Answer 2

Base triplets don’t share their bases.
Each base triplet is read in sequence, separate from the base triplet before and after it

Question 3

Describe how a gene is a code for the production of a polypeptide [3]

Answer 3

1. Base/nucleotide sequence;
2. In triplets;
3. (Determines) order/sequence of amino acids/primary structure (of polypeptide)

Question 4

Explain how natural selection produces changes within a species.

Answer 4

1. Variation [caused by mutation] between members of population / species;
2. Predation / disease / competition results in differential survival;
3. Some have adaptations that favour survival;
4. Differential reproductive success / survive to reproduce/ have more offspring/
5. Pass on their advantageous alleles /
6. Changes allelic frequencies

Question 5

What is the role of RNA polymerase during transcription?

Answer 5

condenses RNA nucleotides to form pre-mRNA/RNA