Jones
Biology
DNA, Cell Cycle, & Protein Synthesis Study Guide
The study guide is to help you stay on top of studying throughout each section of the unit. I will assign
specified groups of questions for homework following corresponding lectures. These sections will not be
checked the following day to ensure that you have done the assignment; however, all questions will be
officially due on the day of the unit exam. So, it is up to you to stay on top of this assignment and do the
specified questions when they are assigned and NOT wait until the night before the test to do them all!
1. What are the functions of DNA?
2. DNA belongs to what macromolecule?
3. What is the monomer of this macromolecule and what are the three parts that make up this
macromolecule?
4. What do the bases attach to at the backbone? What type of bonds hold the bases together in the
middle?
5. What is Chargaff’s rule?
6. What term is used to describe the shape of DNA?
7. Specifically, where is the genetic code in DNA?
8. Define the terms chromosome and gene.
9. What is the difference between chromatin and chromosomes?
10. What is a sister chromatid? What holds them together?
11. What does the term ploidy mean?
a. What is the ploidy of human autosome/somatic cells?
b. How many chromosomes is this?
c. What is the ploidy of human gametes?
d. How many chromosomes is this?
11. What is DNA replication?
12. What two enzymes are involved in DNA replication and what are their functions?
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In sequential order, name and discuss what happens in each stage of the cell cycle.
What phases are included in Interphase? In general, what happens during Interphase?
What form does DNA take during Interphase? Why?
What form does DNA take during Mitosis and Meiosis? Why?
17. Discuss what happens during P.M.A.T. of Mitosis.
18. Contrast the processes of Mitosis and Meiosis. Include:
a. The types of cells that go through these processes.
b. How many chromosomes are in the resulting cells?
c. The purpose for each process.
19. What is the first stage of sexual reproduction? Justify why this is so.
20. What is crossing over? Why is it important?
21. What is a mutation? What is the significance of mutations to a population?
22. Why is variation important for a population’s survival?
23. What are three differences between DNA and RNA?
24. Explain the three parts of the central dogma.
25. What is transcription? Where does this process take place in a cell?
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What is the role of DNA Helicase in the processes of replication and transcription?
What is made at the end of transcription?
Why does transcription have to take place; in other words, why is mRNA made?
What is the role of the enzyme RNA polymerase in the process of transcription?
Where does the mRNA strand go after it is made?
What is a codon? In your explanation include the following: Where is it located? How many bases
create a codon? What does a codon code for?
What is translation? Where does this process take place in a cell?
What is rRNA? What is its function?
What is the function of tRNA?
What is an anti-codon? In your answer include the following: Where is it located? How many bases
create an anti-codon?
What is the function of an anti-codon (include the relationship between the codon and anti-codon in
your answer)?
Is the order of the amino acids important in building each protein? Explain!
What is made at the end of translation?