Unit 1: DNA and the Production of Proteins From Achieve Flashcards
Describe the structure and function of DNA, stating the definition of a gene
DNA is a double stranded helix and carries the genetic information to make proteins.
A gene is a section of DNA that codes for ONE protein.
Name the DNA bases and describe the complementary base pairing rule
The four bases in DNA are:
Adenine
Thymine
Guanine
Cytosine
Each of the bases must be spelt correctly. Make sure you take extra time in learning the spellings of each base.
The bases on one strand of the helix will bond (pair) with a base on the opposite strand. The bases will only bond in a very specific way:
Adenine will only bond with Thymine (A-T or T-A)
Guanine will only bond with Cytosine (G-C or C-G)
This is known as the COMPLEMENTARY base pairing rule.
Explain the importance of the sequence of bases in the production of proteins
The sequence of bases is very important in DNA, as the sequence of bases in DNA will determine the amino acid sequence in a protein.
(Amino acids are the subunits of a protein and have to be in a specific sequence to ensure that the protein produced is the correct shape and fully functional.)
Describe the role of mRNA in protein synthesis
mRNA carries a complimentary copy of DNA from the nucleus into the ribosome within the cytoplasm where proteins are made, because mRNA carries a complimentary copy of DNA it is therefore made in the nucleus.
