Genetic Material & Dogma of Molecular Biology Essay

CAU Understanding Genetic Material & Dogma of Molecular Biology Essay

please reflect on your learning about: DNA structure and the processes that govern the genetic flow of information (Central Dogma). 

This essay should reflect your understanding of Central Dogma and the macromolecules that are involved in the underlying processes (replication, transcription and translation).

Remember to explain yourself in your own words and avoid plagiarizing.  

Your reflection essay should include the following:

Evidence of proofreading (e.g. no spelling or punctuation errors, limited grammatical mistakes). 

Required topics that you must address include:

1. (1-2 paragraphs) Explain how your understanding of genetic material and the central dogma of molecular biology has changed (i.e. provide specific, detailed examples of your learning that highlight important course topics and common themes). 
2. (1 paragraph) Summarize DNA Replication 

• Include in your summary a hand-drawn diagram of a replication bubble, indicating the leading/lagging strands as well as 5’/3′ directional markers for the template and newly synthesized strands of DNA. You will also need to indicate where the replication complex is located and the direction that those replication complexes are moving along the DNA.
• Describe what is meant by semiconservative replication.
• Place the timing of DNA replication in context with the eukaryotic cell cycle.

1. (1 paragraph) Summarize the central dogma of molecular biology. 

• Include in your summary the processes and molecules involved and where they are located in the cell (for both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells).
• Relate the genetic code to central dogma and explain what is meant by the genetic code being universal.
• Explain how the central dogma (the genetic flow of information) relates to an organism’s genotype and phenotype.

1. (1-2 paragraphs) Summarize the processes of transcription and translation. 

• Include in your summary a hand-drawn diagram outlining the important molecules and enzymes in these processes. You will need to include 5’/3’/N/C direction markers, indicate template/coding strand as well as indicate locations of 5’/3′ UTRs, coding DNA sequences (CDS), TSS/terminators as well as start/stop codons on the appropriate molecules.
• Include a brief overview for the three stages of each process (initiation, elongation, and termination) to accompany your diagrams as well as a description for the function of the various enzymes involved.
• Explain how both processes use a template to produce a new macromolecule and the molecular interactions/bonds involved.

1. (1 paragraph) Compare and contrast the processes of DNA replication and transcription. 

• Consider the enzymes involved, the end products, and the purpose of each process.

1. (1 paragraph) Summarize your understanding of a gene and explain how the different types of point mutations (including frameshift mutations) would influence the protein products of a gene.