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Biology_Answers

The document outlines the differences between DNA and RNA, highlighting their structures, functions, and locations. It also explains nucleotides as the building blocks of nucleic acids and details the transcription process, including its steps and the enzymes involved. Finally, it describes mRNA processing in eukaryotes, resulting in a mature mRNA molecule ready for protein synthesis.

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Biology_Answers

The document outlines the differences between DNA and RNA, highlighting their structures, functions, and locations. It also explains nucleotides as the building blocks of nucleic acids and details the transcription process, including its steps and the enzymes involved. Finally, it describes mRNA processing in eukaryotes, resulting in a mature mRNA molecule ready for protein synthesis.

Uploaded by

strawhatt2324
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1.

DNA vs RNA (5 Marks)

Definition:

- DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): Carries genetic instructions for development and function.

- RNA (Ribonucleic Acid): Helps in protein synthesis and carries messages from DNA.

Differences:

Feature | DNA | RNA

--------------- | ------------------------------- | -----------------------------

Sugar | Deoxyribose | Ribose

Strands | Double-stranded (double helix) | Single-stranded

Bases | A, T, G, C | A, U, G, C (U = uracil replaces T)

Location | Mostly in nucleus | Found in nucleus & cytoplasm

Function:

- DNA stores genetic information.

- RNA helps in decoding and protein synthesis.

2. Nucleotides (5 Marks)

Definition:

Nucleotides are the basic building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA.

Structure:

Each nucleotide has three parts:

1. Nitrogenous Base - Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C), or Uracil (U in RNA)
2. Sugar - Deoxyribose (in DNA) or Ribose (in RNA)

3. Phosphate Group

Functions:

- Join together to form DNA and RNA chains.

- Store and transfer genetic information.

- Make up ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which provides energy for cell activities.

3. Transcription (8 Marks)

Definition:

Transcription is the process in which a specific segment of DNA is copied into messenger RNA

(mRNA) by the enzyme RNA polymerase.

Location:

It takes place in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

Steps of Transcription:

1. Initiation:

RNA polymerase binds to a specific region on the DNA called the promoter. This signals the start

of a gene.

2. Elongation:

RNA polymerase unzips the DNA and adds complementary RNA nucleotides to the DNA template

strand.

Example: DNA A-T-G-C -> RNA U-A-C-G.


3. Termination:

RNA polymerase continues adding nucleotides until it reaches a termination signal on the DNA.

This stops transcription.

4. mRNA Processing (in eukaryotes):

The newly formed mRNA (called pre-mRNA) is processed:

- A 5' cap and poly-A tail are added.

- Introns (non-coding regions) are removed and exons are spliced together.

End Result:

A single-stranded mRNA molecule is formed and exits the nucleus to enter the cytoplasm, where it

is used in translation to synthesize proteins.

Enzymes Involved:

The main enzyme is RNA polymerase, which catalyzes the synthesis of mRNA.

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