BIOE 206 Exam 1 Study Guide 2024

How does information flow? From DNA to RNA to protein What information is central to modern biotechnology? The use of methods to study and manipulate information about the central dogma. What is the exception to the central dogma? The transcription of RNA into DNA using reverse transcriptase. How does the cycle of the central dogma work? Instructions of DNA are transcribed onto messenger RNA. The ribosomes are able to read the genetic information inscribed on a strange of the messenger RNA and use this information to string amino acids together into a protein. What stabilizes the DNA double helix? H-bonding, ionic interactions and H-bonding with water, and stacking interactions. What are more stable: G-C or A-T base pairs? Why? G-C is more stable because it has more hydrogen bonds, which creates a stronger resistance to denaturation. What is melting temperature (Tm)? The temperature at which half of duplex DNA strands are denatured. How is genomic DNA in the eukaryotic nucleus packaged? Genomic DNA in the eukaryotic nucleus is hierarchically packaged by histones into chromatin to fit inside the nucleus. What executes most of the functions in a cell? Proteins What is protein structure and function determined by? The amino acid (primary) sequence. What are the key differences between the major and minor grooves? The backbones are further apart in the major grooves. Proteins can interact with bases easier in major grooves. What amino acids are in the nonpolar, aliphatic R group? Glycine, Alanine, Valine, Leucine, Methionine, and Isoleucine. What are the properties of the nonpolar R group? They are flexible, have a high degree of rotation, hydrophobic, and usually buried in the interior of the protein (away from water). What amino acids are in the aromatic R groups? Phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. What are the properties of the aromatic R group? They are constrained, have large hydrophobic surface areas, have pi-pi interactions, and absorb ultraviolet light. What is the useful biophysical property of the aromatic amino acids? They can absorb ultraviolet light. What amino acids are in the positively charged R group? Lysine, Arginine, and Histidine. What are the properties of the amino acids in the positively charged R group? They are positively charged, typically solvent exposed, and are able to hydrogen bond and from electrostatic interactions.