BIO 1 GENETICS –DNA, RNA AND THE GENETIC CODE
OBJECTIVES
DNA AND RNA MOLECULAR GENETICS
 Explain that nearly every cell in a multicellular organism contains
the same DNA
 Label the components of a model of DNA
 Determine the complementary base sequence of a given DNA
strand.
 Explain that a gene is a section of DNA that codes for a protein
and that proteins determine the organism’s traits.
 Describe differences in DNA and RNA structure.
 Contrast the 3 types of RNA.
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Explain that cells are differentiated by which parts of DNA
(genes) are turned on in the cell.
Compare the DNA sequence of two or more species or
individuals
Describe examples of the results of either overproduction or
underproduction of protein.
Review the parts of the cell that are involved in protein synthesis
(DNA in nucleus, protein synthesis in ribosome, modifications on
golgi apparatus, etc)
Explain the process of transcription, including base pairing of
DNA and mRNA.
Describe that DNA is a code for making proteins and that the
code is found in the sequence of nitrogen bases.
Compare the nitrogen bases found in DNA with those found in
RNA.
Explain the process of translation.
Define a codon as a sequence of 3 bases that forms an RNA
triplet, which codes for one amino acid.
Use the mRNA codon chart to determine the amino acid
sequence.
Describe the formation of a protein from amino acids to a
polypeptide chain, to a three-dimensional structure.
Describe protein’s significance as the structural and functional
materials of an organism that determine the organism’s
physiological traits.
Explain that mutations may occur during DNA replication or
transcription and may be random or the result of environmental
agents.
Identify examples of point mutations (substitutions) and
frameshift mutations (additions/ deletions).
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Compare the amino acid sequence of an original and a mutated
strand of DNA.
Explain that only mutations in gametes can be passed on to an
organism’s offspring.
Gene regulation: Almost every cell has the same set of DNA, but
cells can have very different structures and functions. Explain
how gene regulation can turn genes on or off.
Biotechnology Objectives:
 Explain the production of a transgenic organism containing a desired
gene.
 Model the process of creating a transgenic organism.
 List applications of genetic engineering in agriculture, industry, and
medicine.
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Explain the steps of making a DNA fingerprint, from DNA extraction,
PCR, restriction digestion into fragments, and gel electrophoresis.
Model making a DNA fingerprint by gel electrophoresis.
Interpret DNA fingerprints in paternity and crime scene applications.
Describe the purpose of the Human Genome Project (HGP), which
located and sequenced genes on human chromosomes.
Explain uses of HGP, including genetic screening (microarray) and gene
therapy.
See how genetic screening can be used for personalizing medicine.
Describe the differentiation and specialization of cells, beginning with
stem cells.
 Ethical issues: Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of genetic
engineering, gene therapy and stem cell research.
GENETICS: PUNNETT SQUARES:
 Solve problems of regular Mendelian inheritance (dominant and
recessive traits).
 Solve problems involving codominance and incomplete dominance.
 Solve problems involving multiple alleles, such as blood group
inheritance.
 Solve problems involving sex-linked inheritance.
 Analyze a Pedigree Chart
 Evaluate examples of nature versus nurture in the expression of traits