Activity 4 Group 2

"Understanding the chemical
foundation of heredity
CONCEPT OF THE GENE
A gene is a part or segment of DNA that contains
the instructions for making or producing proteins
and to control other genes these proteins or RNA
molecules plays critical part in the structure,
function, and regulation of the cells, tissues, and
organs in an organism.
Concept of a Gene
The concept of a gene has evolved over
time but the main idea remains the same
it's the unit of inheritance. Below shows
the concept of the gene.
DNA Sequence
Genes are composed of DNA a molecule shaped like
a twisted ladder there is a part of this ladder that
are made up of pairs of chemical bases which are
the adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and
cytosine (C) each specific sequence of these bases
determines the genetic code.
Protein Synthesis
Most genes provide instructions for making
proteins, which are complex molecules
essential for life. The DNA sequence is
transcribed into RNA, which is then
translated into a specific protein.
Inheritance
Genes are passed down from parents
to offspring. This inheritance process
explains why children resemble their
parents.
DNA as the genetic code

DNA as a genetic code refers to the idea that DNA
Genetic Variation Differences in gene carries the information or instructions in order to
sequences among individuals lead to build and maintain an organism the instructions
genetic variation, which is the basis for were encoded in the sequence of nucleotides in
evolution and diversity. which it is a building block of DNA it states that the
Gene Expression The process of turning on genetic code is a system of rules that it translates
or off a gene to produce a protein is called the sequence of the nucleotides into a pattern of
gene expression. This regulation is crucial proteins and the structural component of the the
for proper development and function. cell.
There are several type for how the DNA as the
genetic code function first would be.
DNA Replication it ensures the genetic material is passed on

accurately to new cells in order to avoid mutations then we
have Transcription it's is a process in which the DNA is
copied into messenger RNA (mRNA) then Translation it is
where the mRNA is used by ribosomes to synthesize
proteins and lastly Protein Function the Proteins perform
cellular functions based on their structure which is
determined by the DNA sequence.
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE OF DNA
Below will be discussed different types of molecular structure of dna in
which that how they part take in the DNA formation.
Double Helix
The structure of DNA is described as a double helix which resembles a
twisted or twirly ladder It consists of two long strands of nucleotides
running in opposite directions these strands are coiled or rolled around
each other held together by hydrogen bonds
DNA in chromosomes is organized into a compact structure to fit
inside a cell's nucleus first the DNA wraps around proteins called
histones to form nucleosomes in which it resembles beads on a
string. The nucleosomes coil further into chromatin which can be
loose euchromatin or tightly packed heterochromatin during cell
division the chromatin condenses even more to form visible
chromosomes each consisting of two identical sister chromatids
joined at the centromere this organization ensures that the DNA is
both protected and accessible for processes like gene expression
and cell division.
DNA replication
DNA replication is a critical process in cell division where the DNA is copied to ensure each new cell has
an identical set or pair of genetic information below will show the breakdown or process of how DNA
replication takes place.
1. Initiation
DNA replication begins at specific locations on the DNA called "origins of replication." The enzyme helicase
unwinds the double helix separating the two strands of DNA. This creates two single-stranded DNA
templates. To prevent the unwound strands from reannealing, single-strand binding proteins (SSBs) bind to
them, stabilizing the structure.
reannealing, single-strand binding proteins (SSBs) bind to them, stabilizing the structure.
2. Primer Formation
The enzyme primase synthesizes short RNA primers on each template strand. These primers provide
a starting point for the next enzyme DNA polymerase which adds nucleotides to the growing DNA
strand.
3. Elongation
DNA polymerase III is the primary enzyme responsible for adding new nucleotides in the 5' to 3'
direction on the new strand. On the leading strand, it works continuously as the DNA is unwound. On
the lagging strand, which is oriented in the opposite direction, replication occurs in short segments
known as Okazaki fragments, as DNA polymerase can only synthesize in the 5' to 3' direction.
4. Ligation
The enzyme ligase seals the gaps between the newly synthesized DNA
fragments on the lagging strand, creating a continuous DNA strand.
5. Error Correction
Despite the high accuracy of DNA polymerase, errors can still occur during
replication. To correct these errors, cells use a proofreading mechanism. DNA
polymerase has a built-in proofreading function: as it adds nucleotides, it checks
each one for correctness. If an incorrect nucleotide is added, the polymerase
detects the mismatch, removes the wrong base using its 3' to 5' exonuclease
activity, and replaces it with the correct one.
6. Finalization
Once the replication is complete, the DNA strands rewind into their double helix
structure. The result is two identical DNA molecules each containing one original
parental strand and one newly synthesized daughter strand in a process known
as semi- Conservative replication
ERRORS in DNA REPLICATION
Errors in DNA replication can lead to mutations if incorrect nucleotides are
incorporated into the new DNA strand and are not properly corrected. DNA
polymerase may occasionally add the wrong base, such as adenine instead of
guanine, resulting in a mismatch. While DNA polymerase has a proofreading
function to detect and correct these errors, some mistakes can slip through. If
these errors aren't fixed by proofreading or other repair mechanisms like the
mismatch repair system, they can become permanent. Additionally, DNA
polymerase might sometimes insert or skip nucleotides, causing insertions or
deletions in the DNA sequence. If a mutation occurs in a gene, it can alter the
protein produced by that gene, potentially disrupting normal cell function. While
many mutations are harmless, others can lead to diseases, including cancer, if
they affect important genes involved in cell growth and regulation.Each group
should provide practical examples, such as how DNA mutations can affect
animals or plants.
THANK YOU

Activity 4 Group 2

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Activity 4 Group 2

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Activity 4 Group 2

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

"Understanding the chemical

DNA as the genetic code

DNA Replication it ensures the genetic material is passed on

You might also like