BIO 310 — Molecular Biology Study Guide
BIO 310 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE
LATEST VERSION 2026/2027
Structure, Replication, Gene Expression, Regulation & Biotechnology
Table of Contents
1. Course Overview & How to Use This Guide
2. DNA Structure and Organization
3. DNA Replication
4. Transcription
5. Translation & the Genetic Code
6. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
7. Mutations and DNA Repair
8. Recombinant DNA Technology & PCR
9. Epigenetics and Alternative Splicing
10. Key-Term Flashcards (20)
11. Practice Exam Questions with Answer Key (20)
Page 1 of 19
, BIO 310 — Molecular Biology Study Guide
• Read each content section alongside your course lecture notes and
textbook figures.
• Use the diagrams to build a mental model of each process before
memorizing details.
• Work through the 20 flashcards actively — cover the definition and try
to recall it from the term alone.
• Complete the 20 practice questions under timed conditions, then check
the answer key.
• Revisit any topic where you missed a practice question before your
exam.
Page 2 of 19
, BIO 310 — Molecular Biology Study Guide
2. DNA Structure and Organization
2.1 The Double Helix
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a double-stranded polymer of nucleotides.
Each nucleotide consists of a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and one
of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and
cytosine (C).
• The two strands are antiparallel: one runs 5' → 3' while the
complementary strand runs 3' → 5'.
• Base pairing is complementary and specific: A pairs with T (two
hydrogen bonds); G pairs with C (three hydrogen bonds).
• The sugar-phosphate backbone is on the outside of the helix; the
nitrogenous bases stack in the interior.
• The helix makes one full turn approximately every 10.5 base pairs (B-
form DNA).
Figure 1. Antiparallel strands of the DNA double helix with complementary
base pairing.
2.2 Levels of DNA Packaging
Page 3 of 19
BIO 310 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE
LATEST VERSION 2026/2027
Structure, Replication, Gene Expression, Regulation & Biotechnology
Table of Contents
1. Course Overview & How to Use This Guide
2. DNA Structure and Organization
3. DNA Replication
4. Transcription
5. Translation & the Genetic Code
6. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
7. Mutations and DNA Repair
8. Recombinant DNA Technology & PCR
9. Epigenetics and Alternative Splicing
10. Key-Term Flashcards (20)
11. Practice Exam Questions with Answer Key (20)
Page 1 of 19
, BIO 310 — Molecular Biology Study Guide
• Read each content section alongside your course lecture notes and
textbook figures.
• Use the diagrams to build a mental model of each process before
memorizing details.
• Work through the 20 flashcards actively — cover the definition and try
to recall it from the term alone.
• Complete the 20 practice questions under timed conditions, then check
the answer key.
• Revisit any topic where you missed a practice question before your
exam.
Page 2 of 19
, BIO 310 — Molecular Biology Study Guide
2. DNA Structure and Organization
2.1 The Double Helix
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a double-stranded polymer of nucleotides.
Each nucleotide consists of a deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate group, and one
of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and
cytosine (C).
• The two strands are antiparallel: one runs 5' → 3' while the
complementary strand runs 3' → 5'.
• Base pairing is complementary and specific: A pairs with T (two
hydrogen bonds); G pairs with C (three hydrogen bonds).
• The sugar-phosphate backbone is on the outside of the helix; the
nitrogenous bases stack in the interior.
• The helix makes one full turn approximately every 10.5 base pairs (B-
form DNA).
Figure 1. Antiparallel strands of the DNA double helix with complementary
base pairing.
2.2 Levels of DNA Packaging
Page 3 of 19
