OBJECTIVES

1. Understand that proteins provide the link between genotype and phenotype.*
2. Explain how RNA differs from DNA.*
3. In your own words, briefly explain how information flows from gene to protein.*
4. Distinguish between transcription and translation.*
5. Describe where transcription and translation occur in prokaryotes and in eukaryotes.*
6. Define codon, and explain what relationship exists between the linear sequence of codons on mRNA and the linear sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide.*
7. List the three stop codons and the one start codon.*
8. Explain in what way the genetic code is redundant.*
9. Explain the process of transcription including the three major steps of initiation, elongation and termination.*
10. Describe the general role of RNA polymerase in transcription, promoters and transcription factors in transcription.*
11. Explain the process promoter recognition for RNA polymerase and where transcription should begin.*
12. Specifically, describe the primary functions of RNA polymerase II.*
13. Distinguish among mRNA, tRNA and rRNA.*
14. Describe the structure of tRNA and explain how the structure is related to function.*
15. Given a sequence of bases in DNA, predict the corresponding codons transcribed on mRNA and the corresponding anticodons of tRNA.*
16. Describe the structure of a ribosome, and explain how this structure relates to function.*
17. Describe the process of translation including initiation, elongation and termination and explain what factors are needed for each stage.*
18. Explain how eukaryotic mRNA is processed before it leaves the nucleus.*
19. Describe base pair deletions, insertions, and substitutions.
20. Explain why base pair insertions or deletions usually have a greater effect than base pair substitutions.*
21. Describe how mutagenesis can occur and the effects it may have on an individual or future offspring.*

KEY TERMS

Transcription, codon, messenger RNA (mRNA), RNA polymerase, promoter, terminator, transfer RNA (tRNA), anticodon, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, ribosome, ribosomal RNA (rRNA), P site, A site, E site, start codon, reading frame, termination codon, release factor, redundancy, pre-mRNA, intron, exon, spliceosome complex, cap structure (mRNA), poly-A tail, point mutation, insertion, deletion, frameshift mutation, mutagenesis, mutagens.