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2.7 DNA replication, transcription and translation

IB Syllabus Statements

Understandings:

  • The replication of DNA is semi-conservative and depends on complementary base pairing.

  • Helicase unwinds the double helix and separates the two strands by breaking hydrogen bonds.

  • DNA polymerase links nucleotides together to form a new strand, using the pre-existing strand as a template.

  • Transcription is the synthesis of mRNA copied from the DNA base sequences by RNA polymerase.

  • Translation is the synthesis of polypeptides on ribosomes.

  • The amino acid sequence of polypeptides is determined by mRNA according to the genetic code.

  • Codons of three bases on mRNA correspond to one amino acid in a polypeptide.

  • Translation depends on complementary base pairing between codons on mRNA and anticodons on tRNA.

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Applications and skills:

  • Application: Use of Taq DNA polymerase to produce multiple copies of DNA rapidly by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

  • Application: Production of human insulin in bacteria as an example of the universality of the genetic code allowing gene transfer between species.

  • Skill: Use a table of the genetic code to deduce which codon(s) corresponds to which amino acid.

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Videos

Transcription and Translation (Part 1) - Central Dogma

Transcription and Translation (Part 2) - Central Dogma Continued

Transcription and Translation (Part 3) - Central Dogma Continued

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Topic 2.7 DNA replication, transcription and translation HookED SOLO Hexagons

Topic 2.7 DNA replication, transcription and translation SSaQ (Syllabus Statement as Questions)

  • What words describe the process of DNA replication?

  • Explain the role of helicase.

  • Describe the role of DNA polymerase using the terms nucleotide, strand, and template.

  • Describe the role of RNA polymerase.

  • Define translation including the location that translation takes place.

  • How is the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide determined?

  • Why are codons important in the genetic code?

  • Why is complementary base pairing important in the process of translation as well as during transcription?

  • Explain the role to Taq DNA polymerase in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

  • Explain how human insulin can be produced in bacteria. Use the terms gene transfer and the universality of the genetic code.

  • Explain how to use a table of the genetic code to deduce which codon corresponds to which amino acid.

  • Outline the results of Meselson and Stahl’s results in determining the theory that DNA replication is semi-conservative.

  • Explain how you would deduce the DNA base sequence from a given mRNA strand.

  • Explain how you would deduce the amino acid sequence from a given mRNA strand.

Quizlet yourself!

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