IV.

The DNA Connection

A. The Genetic Code
* the main function of genes is to control
the production of proteins in cells

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1. Genes and DNA

a. gene = section of DNA that contains
information to code for one protein

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b. a gene is made up of a series of bases

in a row (hundreds to millions)
* example: ATGACGTAC

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2. Order of the Bases

a. order of bases in a gene forms a genetic code
* determines what protein is made
b. one group of 3 bases (codon) codes for
1 amino acid
* example: CGT always codes alanine.

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B. How Cells Make Proteins

*Information from a gene is used to make a

specific protein
* protein synthesis = production of proteins
* takes places on the ribosomes in the
cytoplasm

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1. The Role of RNA

a. genetic messenger from DNA in nucleus
to cytoplasm(ribosomes)
b. different from DNA:
* RNA has only 1 strand
* RNA has a different sugar molecule (ribose)
* RNA has (U) uracil instead of thymine (T)

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2. Types of RNA
messenger RNA - (mRNA) copies the coded

message from the DNA and carries it to the

ribosome in the cytoplasm

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transfer RNA (tRNA) carries amino acids to the

ribosome and adds them to the growing protein

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How is RNA different from DNA?

RNA has only 1 strand, has a different sugar

molecule, and instead of thymine it contains uracil.

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3. Translating the Code

a. 1st - the DNA molecule must unzip and make
mRNA = transcription

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b. 2nd mRNA leaves the nucleus and enters

the cytoplasm = transport

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c. 3rd - the tRNA attaches to the mRNA and reads

the code = translation

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d. 4th- tRNA puts the amino acid it carries on the

protein chain = protein synthesis

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What is the function of transfer

RNA?

To carry amino acids and add them to

the growing protein chain.
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C. Mutations

mutation any change in a gene or chromosome

* can cause the production of the wrong
protein during protein synthesis
* resulting in a change in the organisms trait

Normal

Mutant with legs

growing out of
head

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1. Types of Mutations
a. changes in a few bases during DNA replication
* substitution of bases
* deletion of bases
* addition of bases

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b. chromosomes dont always separate correctly

* too few or too many chromosomes
example: Downs Syndrome

extra 21st
chromosom
e
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2. Effects of Mutations
a. can be source of genetic variety
b. can be harmful or helpful
* depends partly on environment
* helpful = improves chances of
survival
and reproduction
* harmful = reduces chances of survival
and reproduction

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What are two types of mutations?

Mutations involving only a few bases;

those that occur when chromosomes
do not separate correctly.
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