Key Concepts in DNA Sequencing and Translation Exam Questions and Answers Already Passed

Key Concepts in DNA Sequencing and Translation Exam Questions and Answers Already Passed Denaturation - Answers Separates DNA strands at 95°C. Annealing - Answers Primers bind to complementary sequences on the template DNA at 50-65°C. Extension - Answers DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides at 72°C. Dideoxynucleotides (ddNTPs) - Answers Terminate DNA strand elongation, resulting in fragments of various lengths. Amplicon - Answers The amplified product is the segment of DNA between the two primers. Agarose Gel Electrophoresis - Answers Technique used to separate DNA fragments by size. Restriction Map - Answers Created by analyzing band patterns after digesting plasmid DNA with restriction enzymes. DNA Quantity Importance - Answers Using a set mass of DNA ensures accurate results; volume = mass/concentration. Restriction Enzymes - Answers Bind to specific palindromic sequences in DNA and cut at defined locations. Eukaryotic RNA Processing - Answers Involves capping, polyadenylation, and splicing to produce mature mRNA. Introns - Answers Non-coding regions removed from pre-mRNA. Exons - Answers Coding regions that remain in mature mRNA. Spliceosome - Answers Facilitates mRNA splicing and is composed of snRNPs and proteins. Alternative Splicing - Answers Allows a single gene to produce multiple protein isoforms. Processing Prior to Translation - Answers Ensures mRNA stability, correct modifications, and efficient translation initiation. Genetic Code - Answers Determined through experiments correlating codon sequences with specific amino acids. Wobble Hypothesis - Answers The third nucleotide in a codon can form non-standard base pairs, allowing flexibility. Types of RNAs for Translation - Answers mRNA (messenger RNA), tRNA (transfer RNA), rRNA (ribosomal RNA). Amino Acid Loading on tRNA - Answers Catalyzed by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, attaching specific amino acids to tRNA. Roles of rRNAs in Translation - Answers Structural and catalytic roles in the ribosome, facilitating peptide bond formation. Ribosome as a Ribozyme - Answers The ribosome is considered a ribozyme because rRNA catalyzes peptide bond formation. Translation Initiation - Answers Begins with the assembly of the ribosome at the start codon (AUG) on mRNA. Repeating Steps of Translation - Answers Include amino acid activation, peptide bond formation, and translocation. Stop Codon Function - Answers Stop codons (UAA, UAG, UGA) signal the termination of polypeptide synthesis. Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Ribosomes - Answers Similarities: Both consist of rRNA and proteins. Differences: Size (70S vs. 80S). Peptide Bond Formation - Answers Forms between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another. Covalent Bonds in Protein Folding - Answers Disulfide bonds stabilize protein structure. Non-Covalent Bonds in Protein Folding - Answers Hydrogen bonds, ionic interactions, and hydrophobic interactions influence folding. Common Folding Patterns - Answers Alpha helices and beta sheets are common secondary structures. Impact of Amino Acid Sequence Changes - Answers Mutations can alter protein structure, e.g., nonsense mutations lead to truncated proteins. Missense mutations - Answers Can have varying impacts depending on the properties of the substituted amino acid. Feedback Inhibition - Answers A regulatory mechanism where the end product of a pathway inhibits an upstream step, preventing overproduction. Allosteric Regulation - Answers Refers to the regulation of an enzyme through binding at a site other than the active site, leading to conformational changes that affect activity. Ligand and Binding Site Specificity - Answers Specificity is determined by the shape, charge, and