Molecular Genetics

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid):

-Each DNA molecules has 2 parallel strands twisted around each other =double
helix.

-They are made up of basic units called, nucleotides.

Nucleotide consist of Phosphate Group, Pentose Sugar/Deoxyribose sugar, Base.

There are 4 types of nucleotides, differing only in their base: Adenine, Thymine,
Guanine, and Cytosine.

Rules of complementary base pairing

Adenine (A) is complementary to Thymine (T). Adenine pairs with Thymine.

Guanine (G) is complementary to Cytosine (C). Guanine pairs with Cytosine.

Chromatin condense to Chromosome

Chromatin  Chromosome

Shorter, easier to
untangle for Cell
Division.
HOW ARE PROTEINS MADE?

A cell cannot directly use a DNA template to make proteins.

Proteins are made through a 2-step process (Transcription & Translation).

1) Message template copied into messenger RNA(mRNA)

This copying process is called Transcription.

It occurs in the nucleus.

2) The mRNA carries the message to the cytoplasm. In the cytoplasm, a

ribosome helps convert (translate) the message in the mRNA into a protein
molecule.

This converting process is called Translation.

It occurs in the cytoplasm.

What is RNA (Ribonucleic acid)?

The differences of DNA & RNA

DNA RNA
Sugar unit is deoxyribose Sugar unit is ribose
Bases: Bases:
Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, Cytosine Uracil, Cytosine, Guanine
Ratio A:T & G:C No fixed ratio between U, C, & G.
is 1:1
It is a large insoluble molecule. It is a small soluble molecule.
It is a permanent molecule in the It is a temporary molecule and is only
nucleus. made when needed.