UNIT 7 – MOLECULAR GENETICS
Unit Objectives
At the conclusion of this unit, you should be able to:
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Explain the process of transcription, including mRNA editing.
Distinguish among mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA in terms of location and function.
Describe the structure of a ribosome and explain how this structure relates to its function.
Compare and contrast prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes.
Define codon and list the three stop and one start codons.
Sequence the steps involved in translation.
Given a sequence of bases in DNA, predict the corresponding codons transcribed on mRNA and the corresponding
anticodons of tRNA.
Explain how the genetic code is redundant and universal.
Describe the wobble effect.
Describe the most common types of chromosomal mutations.
Explain why base-pair insertions or deletions have a greater effect than base-pair substitutions in mutagenesis.
Define terms related to gene expression; chromatin, nucleosome, heterochromatin, DNA methylation, totipotent, and
pluripotent.
Explain the importance of RNAi.
Explain possible mechanisms for cancer including oncogenes and mutations in tumor suppressor genes.
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Compare three natural process of gene transfer in bacteria.
Describe the importance of plasmids.
Explain the concept of an operon and the function of the operator, repressor and co-repressor.
Explain the importance of regulatory genes.
Compare and contrast inducible and repressible operons. Give an example of each.
Describe the role of restriction enzymes in nature.
Understand how restriction enzymes and gel electrophoresis are used to isolate DNA fragments.
Describe DNA cloning and how it can be used to induce bacteria to produce eukaryotic gene products.
Discuss the principles and importance of PCR.
Recognize some practical applications of recombinant DNA technology in biological research.
Understand the process of DNA sequencing, including DNA microarray assays, purpose of the Human Genome Project.
Explain the importance of RFLPS, RNAi, and SNPs.
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Revised and reprinted with permission from Debbie Richards
Bryan ISD