Table of contents

1. Introduction to Genetics51m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
8. DNA Replication1h 10m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
10. Transcription1h 0m
11. Translation58m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
14. Genetic Control of Development44m
15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
16. Transposable Elements47m
17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

10. Transcription

Overview of Transcription

Genetics

10. Transcription

Overview of Transcription

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2:28 minutes

Problem 13b

Textbook Question

A short RNA molecule was isolated that demonstrated a hyperchromic shift, indicating secondary structure. Its sequence was determined to be
5'-AGGCGCCGACUCUACU-3'
What DNA sequence would give rise to this RNA molecule through transcription?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the process of transcription: During transcription, RNA is synthesized from a DNA template. The RNA sequence is complementary to the DNA template strand, with uracil (U) in RNA replacing thymine (T) in DNA.

Identify the RNA sequence provided: The RNA sequence is 5'-AGGCGCCGACUCUACU-3'. This sequence will be complementary to the DNA template strand.

Determine the DNA template strand: To find the DNA template strand, replace each RNA base with its complementary DNA base. Adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C), cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G), and uracil (U) in RNA pairs with adenine (A) in DNA.

Write the DNA template strand in the 3' to 5' direction: Since transcription occurs in the 5' to 3' direction for RNA synthesis, the DNA template strand must be written in the opposite direction (3' to 5').

Determine the DNA coding strand: The DNA coding strand is the non-template strand and has the same sequence as the RNA (except thymine replaces uracil). This strand is written in the 5' to 3' direction.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Transcription

Transcription is the process by which a DNA sequence is copied into RNA. During this process, RNA polymerase binds to the DNA at a specific region called the promoter and synthesizes a complementary RNA strand using one of the DNA strands as a template. The resulting RNA molecule is synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction, and it is crucial to understand this process to determine the corresponding DNA sequence for a given RNA.

Complementary Base Pairing

Complementary base pairing refers to the specific pairing of nucleotide bases in DNA and RNA. In DNA, adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G). In RNA, however, adenine pairs with uracil (U) instead of thymine. Understanding this concept is essential for deducing the DNA sequence that corresponds to a given RNA sequence, as it dictates how the bases will pair during transcription.

RNA Secondary Structure

RNA secondary structure refers to the local folded structures formed by interactions between nucleotides within an RNA molecule. These structures can include hairpins, loops, and bulges, which are stabilized by hydrogen bonding between complementary bases. The mention of a hyperchromic shift in the question indicates that the RNA has a specific secondary structure, which can influence its function and stability, but does not directly affect the transcription process.

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In one to two sentences each, describe the three processes that commonly modify eukaryotic pre-mRNA.

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A number of experiments have demonstrated that areas of the genome that are transcriptionally inactive are also resistant to DNase I digestion. However, transcriptionally active areas are DNase I sensitive. Describe how DNase I resistance or sensitivity might indicate transcriptional activity.

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Why doesn't polynucleotide phosphorylase (Ochoa's enzyme) synthesize RNA in vivo?

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Refer to Table 13.1. Can you hypothesize why a synthetic RNA composed of a mixture of poly U poly A would not stimulate incorporation of ¹⁴C-phenylalanine into protein?

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Define the process of transcription. Where does this process fit into the central dogma of molecular biology (DNA makes RNA makes protein)?

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Textbook Question

What observations suggested the existence of mRNA?

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Textbook Question

Answer the following questions about the accompanying diagram.