DNA and RNA
PRE-LAB QUESTIONS
1. What is a gene? Describe the function, structure, and location within the cell.
A gene is a segment of DNA that encrypts proteins or RNA molecules. Within the nucleus of a
cell, DNA will wrap around specialized proteins, which create a chromosome. Hereditary
instructions are passed from parents’ DNA to their children. Within the nucleus, 13 of the DNA’s
genes are found within the mitochondria.
2. What are the three stop codons? What is the start codon?
Stop: UAG, UAA, UGA
Start: AUG
3. Compare and contrast bacterial and eukaryotic ribosomes.
Within the bacterial cells, ribosomes appear smaller and sort the rRNA into three strands, unlike
the four strands in eukaryotic cells, which seem larger.
PRE-LAB QUESTIONS
1. What is a gene? Describe the function, structure, and location within the cell.
A gene is a segment of DNA that encrypts proteins or RNA molecules. Within the nucleus of a
cell, DNA will wrap around specialized proteins, which create a chromosome. Hereditary
instructions are passed from parents’ DNA to their children. Within the nucleus, 13 of the DNA’s
genes are found within the mitochondria.
2. What are the three stop codons? What is the start codon?
Stop: UAG, UAA, UGA
Start: AUG
3. Compare and contrast bacterial and eukaryotic ribosomes.
Within the bacterial cells, ribosomes appear smaller and sort the rRNA into three strands, unlike
the four strands in eukaryotic cells, which seem larger.
