DNA: the basis of heredity - Gene expressions

27 important questions on DNA: the basis of heredity - Gene expressions

What is the function of single strand binding proteins in DNA replication?

Single strand binding proteins stabilize the unwound parental DNA, allowing replication to begin.

What does DNA polymerase do during replication?

DNA polymerase attaches to the single strand of DNA and adds complementary bases to create a new double-stranded DNA molecule.

Why can't the lagging strand be synthesized continuously during DNA replication?

The lagging strand runs in the opposite direction, so DNA polymerase synthesizes it in small fragments called Okazaki fragments.
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What is the outcome of DNA replication in terms of the strands?

The two double helices formed during DNA replication contain one strand from the original helix and one newly synthesized strand, making it a semi-conservative process.

What is the role of helicases in DNA replication?

Helicases unwind the parental double helix to form the replication fork, separating the two strands of DNA.

Why do single strand binding proteins stabilize the unwound DNA during replication?

Single strand binding proteins stabilize the unwound DNA to prevent the strands from coming back together and ensure that replication can proceed.

How does DNA polymerase synthesize a new DNA strand?

DNA polymerase adds complementary bases to the single strand of DNA, building a new DNA strand through base-pairing rules.

What is the significance of DNA replication being semi-conservative?

Semi-conservative replication means that each new double helix formed during replication contains one strand from the original DNA and one newly synthesized strand.

How are Okazaki fragments joined together to form a complete lagging strand?

DNA ligase is the enzyme responsible for joining Okazaki fragments together, creating a continuous lagging strand.

What is the purpose of DNA replication?

DNA replication is the process by which a cell duplicates its DNA prior to cell division, ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete set of genetic information.

What is the role of primase in DNA replication?

Primase initiates DNA replication by synthesizing short RNA primers that provide a starting point for DNA polymerase to begin replicating the DNA strand.

What is the difference between primase and DNA polymerase?

Primase synthesizes RNA primers to initiate DNA replication, while DNA polymerase extends the primers and synthesizes the new DNA strands.

What is the relationship between helicase and primase in DNA replication?

Helicase and primase often work together during DNA replication. Helicase unwinds the DNA double helix, creating a single-stranded template for primase to bind to and synthesize RNA primers.

What factors can influence gene expression?

Gene expression can be influenced by time and the environment in which the cell is located.

What does it mean for a gene to be "switched on"?

When a gene is "switched on," it means that the gene is being actively transcribed and producing a functional protein.

What does it mean for a gene to be "switched off"?

When a gene is "switched off," it means that the gene is not being transcribed or producing a functional protein.

How does the environment affect gene expression?

The environment can influence gene expression by activating or repressing certain genes in response to stimuli.

Transcription of DNA to RNA --> Expression


A specific region on the DNA codes for a specific protein --> gene
First step --> Transcription of DNA into RNA. This step is gene expression. Second step --> RNA molecule is transported to the cytoplasm and here the RNA will be translated into protein. Proteins are the main work horses in molecular biology.

What is the first step in gene expression?

The first step is transcription, which involves the conversion of DNA into RNA.

What happens to the RNA molecule after transcription?

The RNA molecule is transported to the cytoplasm.

What is the second step in gene expression?

The second step is translation, which involves the conversion of RNA into protein.

Where does the translation of RNA into protein occur?

Translation occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell.

What is the role of proteins in the cell?

Proteins perform a wide range of functions in the cell, including structural support, enzymatic activity, and cell signaling.

What is the function of genes?

Genes store the instructions for making proteins, which are essential for various biological processes.

What can RNA polymerase do while sliding along the DNA?

Locally unwind the DNA double helix.

What does RNA polymerase do while copying the DNA?

Attaches complementary bases to each other on the basis of the DNA sequence.

What is the end result of RNA transcription?

A stretch of RNA that contains the same code as the gene.

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