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AP Biology Objectives
The Molecular Basis of Inheritance—Chapter 16
DNA-the history
1. Summarize the history of DNA discovery from the early 1900’s through Watson and
Crick’s model of the DNA molecule.
2. Relate the race to discover DNA to the race to crack the human genome.
DNA Replication and Repair
3. Describe the process of DNA replication. Note the structure of the many origins of
replication and replication forks, and explain the role of DNA polymerase.
4. Define “anitparallel” and explain why continuous synthesis of both DNA strands is not
possible. Explain the process for the leading and the lagging strand.
5. Explain the roles of DNA ligase, primer, primase, helicase, and the single-strand binding
protein.
Evolution, Unity, and Diversity
6. Explain the roles of DNA polymerase, mismatch repair enzymes, and nuclease in DNA
proofreading and repair.
7. Describe the structure and functions of telomeres. Explain the significance of
telomerase to healthy and cancerous cells.
AP Biology Objectives
From Gene to Protein—Chapter 17
The Connection between Genes and Proteins
1. Compare and contrast DNA and RNA.
2. Briefly explain how information flows from gene to protein—distinguish between
transcription and translation. Be sure to include the relationships between triplet, codon,
anti-codon, and amino acid sequence.
3. Explain why polypeptides begin with methionine when they are synthesized.
4. Explain in what way the genetic code is redundant and unambiguous.
5. Explain the significance of the reading frame during translation.
The Synthesis and Processing of RNA
6. Explain how RNA polymerase recognizes where transcription should begin. Describe the
promoter, the terminator, and the transcription unit.
7. Explain the general process of transcription, including the 3 major steps of initiation,
elongation, and termination.
8. Explain how RNA is modified after transcription in eukaryotic cells.
9. Define and explain the role of ribozymes; describe the functional and evolutionary
significance of interons.
The Synthesis of Protein
10. Describe the structure and function of tRNA, and ribosomes.
11. Describe initiation, elongation, and termination of translation, AND explain which
enzymes, protein factors, and energy sources are needed for each stage.
12. Explain what determines the primary structure of a protein and describe how a
polypeptide must be modified before it becomes fully functional.
13. Describe 2 properties of RNA that allow it to perform so many different functions.
14. Compare and contrast protein synthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
15. Define “point mutations.” Distinguish between base-pair substitutions and base-pair
insertions. Give examples of each and note the significance of such changes.
16. Describe several examples of mutagens and explain how they cause mutations.