Extend your thinking: Sometimes errors occur during transcription or translation. Examine the codon chart on the previous page. Notice that each amino acid is coded for by several different codons. For example, alanine is coded for by GCU, GCC, GCA, and GCG.

How might this offset transcription or translation errors?

DNA Structure and Function Lab Report

Summary Questions

1. Name the three major components of DNA.

2. Which nitrogen bases pair within DNA?

3. What is the difference between replication, transcription, andtranslation?

4. Describe an advantage of genetic engineering.

5. List three differences between DNA & RNA.

6. If the base sequence on one DNA strand is 3’ CCTAGTTAG 5’, whatwill the sequence be on the other strand of the helix duringreplication?

7. If 3’ TGACCCATC 5’ serves as the template for transcription,what will be the sequence of nitrogen bases on the newly formed RNAstrand?

8. If a mRNA sequence is 3’ UAA 5’, give the amino acid coded forduring translation. Refer to the chart in Exercise 5 of theLab.

CHAPTER 7 DNA & GENES

Compare and contrast the following biological terms. Think about how they are related and how they differ. Once you have read the chapter add an example of each term or use them in a sentence.

DNA/chromosomes

transcription/translation

DNA polymerase/RNA polymerase

codons/anticodons

operons/ transcription tactors

Provide error rates for processes of replication, transcription,and translation, and justify the evolutionary-established reasonsfor the differences in these rates. The error rate for proteintranslation (error in incorporation of amino acid) in very quicklygrowing E.coli cells can be as high as few percents – howdo these cells do so well despite this handicap?