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Chapter 10
The Structure, Replication, and Repair of
DNA
THEMES AND OBJECTIVES
The following is a list of the main themes covered in this chapter and some study objectives. As
you study, focus on these areas. Understand how the information you study fits into these themes
and how these themes relate to each other. Be sure you master each objective before moving on.
1. Various scientists contributed to unraveling the structure of DNA.
 Thoroughly explain the structure of DNA.
 Review the history of the discovery of this structure.
2. "One geneone polypeptide"
 Discuss how the structure of DNA allows genes to contain instructions for polypeptide
synthesis.
 List some exceptions to this rule.
3. DNA synthesis is a very precise process by which both strands are reproduced.
 Thoroughly explain the process of DNA replication.
 Discuss continuous and discontinuous replication
4. Mutations are permanent changes in DNA and are the ultimate source of all genetic diversity.
 Explain how mutations arise.
 Provide specific examples of both point mutations and chromosomal mutations.
 Describe factors that affect the mutation rate.
5. Cells have built in repair mechanisms that try to correct errors.
 Explain some of the ways in which cells try to prevent mutations or fix them if they
occur.