HCC Microbiology Lecture Clinical Assessment
Guide 2025 | Accurate Answers | Exam Ready
Define genetics - The study of how organisms inherit DNA & how variations in DNA result
in differences in individuals
Define genome - The total DNA imparted to an organism including a complete set of
genetic instructions
Define chromosome - An organised structure that contains some of most of the DNA
present in an organism
How do bacteria & eukaryotes differ in terms of their chromosomes? - Bacteria-single,
large circular chromosome
Eukaryotes-multiple linear chromosomes
Define gene - The basic unit of heredity present within the genome. A single gene
generally codes for 1 functional polypeptide (protein)
Define genetic code - The universal dictionary of codon sequences (3 consecutive
sequences) that determine which AA will be inserted as a polypeptide chain is synthesized
Define genotype - An organism's genetic makeup
Define phenotype - Physical characteristics of an organism
Explain the central dogma of biology - The overarching theory that describes how DNA's
genetic info is used to create functional products
*1 gene code for 1 polypeptide
DNA->RNA->Protein
What's another name for the central dogma of biology - 1 gene-1 polypeptide hypothesis
Define transcription - The process of copying the genetic code from DNA into the form of
mRNA
Define translation - The process in living cells in which proteins are produced using RNA
molecules as templates
, Describe & explain the processes of transcription - In bacteria, transcription occurs in the
cytoplasm. RNA polymerase attaches to the promoter site of DNA (which is a single, circular
strand). RNA polymerase unzips a small section of the DNA & reads it from 3'->5'. It will start
building an mRNA strand by adding RNA nucleotides that match the DNA (A-U, G-C). Once it hits
a stop codon (UAA, UAG, UGA), it will get capped off by a 7-methyl guanosine cap (@ 5')& poly
A tail (@ 3') that protects it from degradation. The end result is mRNA.
Describe & explain that maturation of pre-mRNA in eukaryotic cells - Must process pre-
mRNA after transcr before transla; INTerrupting the exons are INTrons, they must be removed;
once removed, exons are connected to one another; mature mRNA must move to cytoplasm for
transla
*Note there's untranslated regions at each end from immature to mature mRNA
What are untranslated regions? - Sequences on either side of gene's coding sequence
that are transcribed but not translated into AA
5' UTR (leader sequence) & 3' UTR (trailer sequence)
Is a 7-methyl guanosine polar or nonpolar? - Polar
What does AUG code for? - Start codon for methionine
Describe & explain the processes of translation - In bacteria, translation occurs in
cytoplasm (directly after transcription). A ribosome attaches to the mRNA & starts reading it.
Ribosomes are made of 2 parts- small & large subunits; are tiny protein-making machines. It
starts reading at a starting point called the start codon. mRNA is made up of codons (3
nucleotides or 3 letter code), which tells the ribosomes which amino acids to add next. tRNA
comes up & brings correct amino acids to the ribosomes. Each tRNA has an anticodon that
matches with a condon on the mRNA- making sure the AA is added in the right place. Continues
to do this & link AA together. Ribosome will reach stop codon & protein is complete. Ribosome
releases finished protein & lets go of the mRNA.
Where does transcription occur in eukaryotic cells? - In the nucleus
Where does translation occur in eukaryotic cells? - In the cytoplasm
Where does transcription occur in bacteria? - In the cytoplasm
Where does translation occur in bacteria? - In the cytoplasm
Guide 2025 | Accurate Answers | Exam Ready
Define genetics - The study of how organisms inherit DNA & how variations in DNA result
in differences in individuals
Define genome - The total DNA imparted to an organism including a complete set of
genetic instructions
Define chromosome - An organised structure that contains some of most of the DNA
present in an organism
How do bacteria & eukaryotes differ in terms of their chromosomes? - Bacteria-single,
large circular chromosome
Eukaryotes-multiple linear chromosomes
Define gene - The basic unit of heredity present within the genome. A single gene
generally codes for 1 functional polypeptide (protein)
Define genetic code - The universal dictionary of codon sequences (3 consecutive
sequences) that determine which AA will be inserted as a polypeptide chain is synthesized
Define genotype - An organism's genetic makeup
Define phenotype - Physical characteristics of an organism
Explain the central dogma of biology - The overarching theory that describes how DNA's
genetic info is used to create functional products
*1 gene code for 1 polypeptide
DNA->RNA->Protein
What's another name for the central dogma of biology - 1 gene-1 polypeptide hypothesis
Define transcription - The process of copying the genetic code from DNA into the form of
mRNA
Define translation - The process in living cells in which proteins are produced using RNA
molecules as templates
, Describe & explain the processes of transcription - In bacteria, transcription occurs in the
cytoplasm. RNA polymerase attaches to the promoter site of DNA (which is a single, circular
strand). RNA polymerase unzips a small section of the DNA & reads it from 3'->5'. It will start
building an mRNA strand by adding RNA nucleotides that match the DNA (A-U, G-C). Once it hits
a stop codon (UAA, UAG, UGA), it will get capped off by a 7-methyl guanosine cap (@ 5')& poly
A tail (@ 3') that protects it from degradation. The end result is mRNA.
Describe & explain that maturation of pre-mRNA in eukaryotic cells - Must process pre-
mRNA after transcr before transla; INTerrupting the exons are INTrons, they must be removed;
once removed, exons are connected to one another; mature mRNA must move to cytoplasm for
transla
*Note there's untranslated regions at each end from immature to mature mRNA
What are untranslated regions? - Sequences on either side of gene's coding sequence
that are transcribed but not translated into AA
5' UTR (leader sequence) & 3' UTR (trailer sequence)
Is a 7-methyl guanosine polar or nonpolar? - Polar
What does AUG code for? - Start codon for methionine
Describe & explain the processes of translation - In bacteria, translation occurs in
cytoplasm (directly after transcription). A ribosome attaches to the mRNA & starts reading it.
Ribosomes are made of 2 parts- small & large subunits; are tiny protein-making machines. It
starts reading at a starting point called the start codon. mRNA is made up of codons (3
nucleotides or 3 letter code), which tells the ribosomes which amino acids to add next. tRNA
comes up & brings correct amino acids to the ribosomes. Each tRNA has an anticodon that
matches with a condon on the mRNA- making sure the AA is added in the right place. Continues
to do this & link AA together. Ribosome will reach stop codon & protein is complete. Ribosome
releases finished protein & lets go of the mRNA.
Where does transcription occur in eukaryotic cells? - In the nucleus
Where does translation occur in eukaryotic cells? - In the cytoplasm
Where does transcription occur in bacteria? - In the cytoplasm
Where does translation occur in bacteria? - In the cytoplasm
