Review of DNA synthesis, Protein Synthesis, Gene Regulation, and Mutations – U3 Lesson 1
Assignment:
We will conduct a review of material that we learned last year in Biology class. You will be assigned
first to an expert group with an assigned topic. Expert group members will learn the content and be
responsible for explaining the content to classmates in a later mixed group. In addition, you will
develop 10 review questions for your assigned content.
Expert content groups:
Group 1 – DNA Synthesis
Group 2 – Transcription
Group 3 – Translation
Group 4 – Gene Regulation
Group 5 – Mutations
Once experts have learned the content material, each will be assigned to a second group containing
an expert from each of the content areas. Experts will lead the discussion of content in their
assigned area and follow up this discussion with review questions for group members.
A quiz will be given at the end of discussions
Guiding questions for expert groups
DNA Synthesis
1. Explain the initiations stage of DNA synthesis. Be sure to include enzymes involved as well
as the terms origin of replication, and replication fork.
2. Explain the synthesis of DNA.
a. How does synthesis occur and what enzymes are involved?
b. What do the terms 5’ to 3’ direction, and leading and lagging strand
mean?
c. What is an Okazaki fragment and the role of DNA ligase?
Transcription
1. How does transcription begin? What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic
promoters?
2. Explain initiation of transcription.
3. Explain elongation of transcription.
4. Explain termination of transcription.
5. Explain the 3 modifications in RNA processing and why they are needed?
Translation
1. Explain the meaning of a codon and how to use the codon chart.
2. Explain initiation of translation.
3. Explain translocation of translation.
4. Explain termination of translation.
Gene Regulation
1. What is an operon and what are the parts of an operon?
2. Explain how a lac operon functions.
3. What is controlled during eukaryotic gene expression?
4. Why is eukaryotic gene expression complicated?
5. What are the 3 parts of a eukaryotic gene complex?
6. Explain how eukaryotic genes are regulated during:
a. Transcription
b. RNA processing
c. Translation
d. Post translation
Mutation
1. What is a point mutation and what is another name for a point mutation?
2. Explain the 3 types of point mutations.
a. Substitution (note the 3 types of substitution)
b. Insertion
c. Deletion
3. What is a frameshift mutation?
4. What is a chromosome mutation?
5. Define the 4 types of chromosome mutations?
6. Explain the role of SNPs in mutation.
Create new learning groups with an expert on each topic assigned to the new group. Explain
your section of the content. Ask review questions to your group