GRADE 12 · LIFE SCIENCES TOPIC 3
DNA · RNA · Protein Synthesis
DNA: THE CODE OF LIFE
everything the whole topic hangs on, on one page
Function of RNA
Translation: mRNA code
Location of RNA
into protein by tRNA
Structure of RNA
RNA Transcription from DNA
DNA Replication
When? Where?
How? Why?
DNA, RNA &
PROTEIN SYNTHESIS
DNA
Profiling
Location of DNA
DNA
Function of DNA Discovery of DNA
Structure of DNA
How to read this page → the two big bubbles (RNA & DNA) are the "parent" molecules;
everything branching off them is a question you must be able to answer — what it looks like,
where it lives, and what it does.
Section 3 · DNA — Code of Life •••••••• pg. 01
, 3.4 · KEY TERMINOLOGY PART
1 of 3
KNOW
KNOW YOUR
YOUR TERMS
TERMS
the cell's "address book" — who lives where
NUCLEOLUS NUCLEOPLASM CYTOPLASM RIBOSOME
The structure inside The part of the The part of the The structure that is
the nucleus that protoplasm within protoplasm outside the site of protein
builds ribosomal RNA. the nucleus. the nucleus. synthesis.
THE CHROMATIN FAMILY
CHROMATIN CHROMATID CENTROMERE CHROMOSOME CHROMAT
NETWORK
The DNA- The individual Holds two A thread-like
containing threads that chromatids structure of DNA Visible as thre
network found in together form together in a carrying hereditary like structures
cells during one replicated info as genes. the nucleus of
interphase (non- chromosome. chromosome; inactive cell.
dividing). anchors it to the
spindle fibres.
dna vs. rna — spot the difference
DNA — DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID RNA — RIBONUCLEIC ACID
Forms the chromosomes in the nuclei of all living A single strand of nucleotides, found in the
cells and carries hereditary information. The nucleoplasm and cytoplasm. Swaps Thymine for
molecule is a double helix — a twisted, two-strand Uracil (bases: A, G, C, U). Its job: protein synthesis.
ladder.
HELIX
The natural, coiled shape of a DNA molecule.
Section 3 · DNA — Code of Life •••••••• pg. 02
DNA · RNA · Protein Synthesis
DNA: THE CODE OF LIFE
everything the whole topic hangs on, on one page
Function of RNA
Translation: mRNA code
Location of RNA
into protein by tRNA
Structure of RNA
RNA Transcription from DNA
DNA Replication
When? Where?
How? Why?
DNA, RNA &
PROTEIN SYNTHESIS
DNA
Profiling
Location of DNA
DNA
Function of DNA Discovery of DNA
Structure of DNA
How to read this page → the two big bubbles (RNA & DNA) are the "parent" molecules;
everything branching off them is a question you must be able to answer — what it looks like,
where it lives, and what it does.
Section 3 · DNA — Code of Life •••••••• pg. 01
, 3.4 · KEY TERMINOLOGY PART
1 of 3
KNOW
KNOW YOUR
YOUR TERMS
TERMS
the cell's "address book" — who lives where
NUCLEOLUS NUCLEOPLASM CYTOPLASM RIBOSOME
The structure inside The part of the The part of the The structure that is
the nucleus that protoplasm within protoplasm outside the site of protein
builds ribosomal RNA. the nucleus. the nucleus. synthesis.
THE CHROMATIN FAMILY
CHROMATIN CHROMATID CENTROMERE CHROMOSOME CHROMAT
NETWORK
The DNA- The individual Holds two A thread-like
containing threads that chromatids structure of DNA Visible as thre
network found in together form together in a carrying hereditary like structures
cells during one replicated info as genes. the nucleus of
interphase (non- chromosome. chromosome; inactive cell.
dividing). anchors it to the
spindle fibres.
dna vs. rna — spot the difference
DNA — DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID RNA — RIBONUCLEIC ACID
Forms the chromosomes in the nuclei of all living A single strand of nucleotides, found in the
cells and carries hereditary information. The nucleoplasm and cytoplasm. Swaps Thymine for
molecule is a double helix — a twisted, two-strand Uracil (bases: A, G, C, U). Its job: protein synthesis.
ladder.
HELIX
The natural, coiled shape of a DNA molecule.
Section 3 · DNA — Code of Life •••••••• pg. 02
