Download C8. Nucleic Acids

C8. Nucleic Acids
April 7th
DNA
• DNA = DeoxyriboNucleic Acid
• DNA is a polynucleotide
• Nucleotide = phosphate group, pentose
sugar and an organic base
• Bases: A, D, T, G (Data Booklet)
• Sugar-phosphate backbone
• The structure is a-helix
• The bases pair with H-bonds: A-T and D-G
• Function: Stores genetic information
Two strands:
Each with S-P backbone
and bases as side groups
a-helix:
S-P outside
Bases inside the helix
Note the number of
H bonds:
Three for C-G
Two for A-T
The hydrogen bonds in DNA
The genetic code
• Gene is a segment of DNA that directs the
synthesis of a single polypeptide
• Genetic code is a sequence of nucleotide
in triplet. Each triplet is called codon.
• 64 codon exist in humans
• 61 of the codons mean amino acid.
• Example: GUU = valine amino acid.
• The genetic code determines the order
and types of amino acids in protein
synthesis.
RNA, Ribonucleic acid
• Smaller than DNA
• Structure is similar to DNA except:
– uracil (U) instead of thymine (T)
– D-Ribose sugar instead of 2-deoxy-D-ribose
– Single stranded
• Different types of RNA:
– mRNA, messenger RNA
– tRNA, transfer RNA
– rRNA, ribosomal RNA
• Role: Translates the genetic information from DNA
in protein synthesis
DNA and mRNA (transcription)
Protein synthesis
• Division of cell: The DNA code is
duplicated, the new cell is a complete copy
• Replication: Copies of DNA made when a
cell divides. Occurs in the nucleus.
• Transcription: Genetic messages in DNA
are read and copied. Used to synthesise
RNA in a nucleus.
• Translation: RNA directs protein synthesis
in cytoplasm
• Read more here
Replication
Translation
Translation (animation)
DNA profiling
• DNA profiles are like fingerprints, unique for each
person
• Used when crimes are investigated
• All cells from an organism creates same DNA
• Sample from blood, semen, saliva, hair
• DNA is broken down in small fragments by
enzymes.
• Coded triplets and areas with no code.
• Separated with electrophoresis
• Radioactive 32P and X-rays are used for analysis
Example
Superman is married to Lois Lane and they have a young son named
Johnny. Lately Superman has begun something is amiss with Johnny
because he can find his way in the dark and he has a tendency to
hang upside down from light fixtures or dark corners of the ceiling.
Superman begins to suspect that Lois may have had a fling with her
old boyfriend, Batman.
Superman gets a court order for a blood sample from himself, Lois,
Batman and Johnny. The DNA in each blood sample is amplified
(increased is quantity via PCR). The DNA in each blood sample is
then cut using restriction enzymes and the DNA fragments are placed
in separate chambers of a sheet of gel in an electrophoresis
chamber. After an electrical current has been run through the gel,
you, the famous paternity judge, view the evidence on the
electrophoresis gel (See next slide).
Who is the father of Johnny?
Example – Electrophoresis results
Example cont.
The fragments on Johnny's profile should be a mixture of
the profiles of his 2 parents. It should be fairly evident that
the fragments or lines for Lois and Batman are most similar
to those of Johnny. The profile for Superman is not very
similar to that of Johnny.
Thus, Batman is most likely Johnny's biological father!
Reference