|
|
| |
WebLab5: Exercise1
DNA Transcription
|
Objectives:
- Evaluate the statement: "Life is composed of lifeless molecules," in terms of levels of organization.
- Explain the function of DNA as a molecule permitting life to produce more life.
- Differentiate between DNA and RNA in terms of basic structure and self-repair ability.
- Define: promoter, RNA polymerase, gene transcript.
- List and state the functions of the following types of RNA: messenger RNA (m-RNA), Ribosomal RNA (r-RNA), transfer RNA (t-RNA), small nuclear RNA (sn-RNA).
- Write out the correct sequence of bases in RNA given a DNA template.
- Define: spliceosome, intron, exon.
|
Materials:
- A computer, a printer, and an ISP (Internet Service Provider).
|
Methods:
- Read the Background Information
to help prepare you for the content of this exercise.
- Go to the
DNA Transcription Site entitled "What is a Gene?"
from the University of Utah. Read this webpage. Note that translation,
to be considered in detail in the next exercise, is described
along with transcription at this website.
- Scroll to the section entitled: "Build a Protein." As you work
through the animation, you will learn how to transcribe RNA from
a DNA template. You will also learn the basics of translation
of RNA's genetic code into a sequence of amino acids.
- Answer the following questions based on your experience at the
RNA Transcription Site:
- Describe two structural differences between DNA and RNA.
- What is "The Central Dogma" of molecular biology? What does
"dogma" mean? Why may the word "dogma" be a poor word choice
for use in the world of science?
- Do you think that DNA could ever be made from an RNA template?
(Try looking up "retrovirus.")
- Do you think that RNA could ever be made from a protein
template?
- Define 1) promotor and 2) codon.
- Go to the Transcription,
Some Details page for further background information about
transcription and the formation of RNA.
- Visit Doug Lundberg's website and observe the
Animation of Transcription.
- Go to the web page entitled
From DNA to RNA (part of the Molecular Biology Notebook,
online) to review the concepts explained in the last section.
You will see that many more details are know about the transcription
process. We have chosen those that are most important for your
understanding of the basic process.
- Answer the following questions based on your reading within
this WebLab and your study of "From DNA to RNA."
- Explain the role of RNA polymerase.
- What is the gene transcript?
- What is a promoter?
- How is the primary gene transcript of eucaryotes, like us,
"processed" before it leaves the cell's nucleus.
- Describe the function of each of the 4 types of RNA.
- What is a spliceosome?
- Define intron and exon.
- Submit the answers to the questions from this WebLab to me
by email. I will respond to you with your grade also by email.
|
|
