BIOL 3301 Mendelian and Population Genetics
Spring 2026
Exam 3 Study Guide
Chapter 9. Structure and Function of DNA
1. Know the structure of DNA
2. What were the key pieces of knowledge that led to the discovery of the structure of DNA
3. What are the key roles of the genetic material, and what must it be able to do
4. Know the structure of RNA
Chapter 11. DNA Replication
1. Understand how DNA is replicated, including the use of template strands and the
experimental evidence for the semi-conservative nature of DNA replication.
2. Know the steps and molecules involved in the initiation of DNA replication in bacteria.
3. Know the structures and key molecules and their functions at the replication fork and the
leading and lagging strands.
4. Understand the constraints and limitations of DNA polymerase.
5. Know the basic mechanisms of accuracy and fidelity in DNA replication.
Chapter 12. Gene Transcription
1. What is the purpose of transcription
2. Know the process of transcription
3. Know the major players of transcription
4. Know the basics of how transcription is regulated, and which regions of the genome
contribute to it
5. Know the purpose and process of alternative splicing
Chapter 13. Translation
1. What is the purpose of translation
2. Know the one gene one enzyme hypothesis, and the limits of this hypothesis as we now
know them
3. Know the process of translation
4. Know the structure and function of the ribosome, the ribosomal subunits, and tRNA
5. Distinguish the differences in the start location of translation between bacteria and
eukaryotes
Chapter 14. Gene Regulation – Bacteria
1. Understand the basic concepts and terminology of gene regulation.
2. Know the types of regulatory molecules (activators and repressors) and mechanisms which
control gene transcription.
3. Know the structure of the lac operon
4. Understand how the lac operon is regulated by lactose levels.
5. Understand experimental evidence for identifying regulatory molecules and elements.
6. Know how the availability of glucose affect the lac operon.
Chapter 15. Gene Regulation – Eukaryotes
1.
2.
3.
4.
Define the function and roles of transcription factors and regulatory elements in eukaryotes.
Know how transcription factors are regulated.
Know the example of how steroid hormones regulated transcription of target genes.
Understand how DNA is organized in chromatin and nucleosomes and how regulation of histone
proteins in nucleosomes affect genes and gene transcription.