Unit 5 - From DNA to Protein Name: Juan Castellanos

Study Guide ** use your notes and/or the PPTs to complete

DNA Structure & Function

1. DNA = molecule that contains a living thing’s unique genetic code

2. Scientists credited with figuring out the structure of DNA: James Watson & Francis Crick
(developed the first model of DNA structure in 1953).
3. DNA is found inside ALL cells of ALL organisms.
4. Every single cell in our body contains a COMPLETE copy of DNA
Prokaryote cells = DNA is stored in the cell’s nucleoid.
Eukaryote cells = DNA is stored in the cell’s nucleus.

5. DNA is the “BLUEPRINT” for living organisms? - why is it called this?

DNA is called the blueprint for living organisms because it contains all the information needed to build
and maintain a living organism.

6. DNA consists of two long strands of nucleotides twisted together in a long spiral called a
double helix.

7. In your own words, describe how DNA is like a twisted ladder.

DNA is like a twisted ladder because it consists of two strands that are held together by nitrogen bases,
which are like the rungs on a ladder. The strands are twisted around each other in a spiral, like the
rungs of a ladder.
Nitrogen bases ALWAYS pair
Adenine (A) always bonds with thymine (T) in the other strand.
Cytosine (C) always bonds with guanine (G) in the other strand.

8. The sequence of DNA is the same in ALL living things; however, the order of base pairs is
different and what determines the organism’s traits

DNA Replication
9. Why would a cell need to replicate (make copy) of its DNA?

A cell needs to replicate its DNA in order to be able to divide and create new cells.

10. In your own words, describe the process of DNA replication

DNA replication is the process by which a cell makes a copy of its DNA. It involves unzipping the
double helix and using the existing strands as templates to create new complementary strands. The
new strands are then linked together to form two identical double helices.

Proteins

11. Proteins are large molecules made of MANY amino acids bonded together

12. List some functions that proteins in our body:

Proteins in our body have many functions, including providing structure, transporting molecules, and
catalyzing biochemical reactions.

13. What determines a protein’s structure?

A protein’s structure is determined by the order of amino acids in its chain.

14. Why is a protein’s structure important?

A protein’s structure is important because it determines the protein’s function. Different shapes of
proteins can cause them to have different functions.
 15. Complete the table below with the four levels of protein structure

Structure Level Description Image or Diagram

ORDER of amino acids in a

Primary chain

“LOCAL FOLDING” - hydrogen

Secondary bonding of peptide backbone
causes the amino acids to fold
into a repeating pattern (either
helix or pleated sheets)

“WHOLE-MOLECULE
Tertiary FOLDING” - helices and sheets
fold and form bonds between R
groups to stabilize the structure
into a unique shape.

Two or more tertiary folded

Quartenary peptide SUBUNITS bond
together to make a function
protein

16. If these factors change (i.e. temperature to hot, pH to acidic), a protein will “unfold” and change
shape destroying its functionality = to denaturation.
Central dogma of biology

Protein synthesis - making proteins

Step 1 : Transcription (“Transcribe” / Make a copy of a section of DNA)

Where in the cell does it occur? Nucleus

What happens? Enzyme called RNA polymerase connects

complementary RNA bases to the DNA to form
single strand mRNA (messenger RNA)
Once the DNA is transcribed, the mRNA leaves the nucleus and goes to the cytoplasm where it
ATTACHES to the ribosome.

Step 2: Translation (“Translate” mRNA code into amino acids to build protein)

Where in the cell does it occur? Ribosome (made of mRNA)

What happens? Ribosome (rRNA) reads the “Letter” code of

mRNA in groups of three (called codons).
tRNA brings and adds the corresponding amino
acid to the chain to make the polypeptide.
GENE EXPRESSION
17. Explain why despite each cell having an entire copy of DNA, why each cell does not
produce all proteins.
Despite each cell having an entire copy of DNA, not all the genes in the DNA are expressed in each
cell. Different cells will express different genes depending on the cell type and what proteins are
needed.

18. What are some environmental factors that can influence gene expression?
Environmental factors that can influence gene expression include temperature, pH, light, and other
external stimuli.

19. Provide an example of an environmental factor influencing gene expression.

For example, some proteins are only expressed in the presence of light, while some proteins are only
expressed in the presence of certain hormones.

20. Provide an example of gene expression.

For example, when a muscle cell is stimulated to contract, it will express proteins that are involved in
the contraction process.