Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Introduction to Nucleic Acids
Essential biomolecules in living organisms
Made up of nucleotides
Two types
: DNA and RNA
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Functions of Nucleic Acids
DNA
: Genetic information storage and transmission
RNA
: Multiple roles in gene expression
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Structure of Nucleic Acids
Nucleotides
Composed of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base
Sugar: Deoxyribose (DNA) or Ribose (RNA)
Nitrogenous bases: Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, Thymine (DNA), Uracil (RNA)
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)
Double-stranded helix structure
Complementary base pairing (A-T, C-G)
Antiparallel strands (5’ to 3’ and 3’ to 5')
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Structure of Nucleic Acids
RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)
Single-stranded structure
Different types: mRNA, tRNA, rRNA
DNA Replication
Process of copying DNA to produce identical copies
Semiconservative replication
Involves enzymes like DNA helicase and DNA polymerase
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Transcription
Process of synthesizing RNA from DNA template
Initiation, elongation, and termination stages
RNA polymerase enzyme
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Translation
Process of protein synthesis from mRNA template
Involves ribosomes, tRNA, and amino acids
Codons and anticodons
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Mutations
Changes in DNA sequence
Types
: Point mutations, insertions, deletions
Effects on protein structure and function
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Genetic Code
Universal code for protein synthesis
Codons and their corresponding amino acids
Start and stop codons
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Examples of Nucleic Acids
DNA extraction from fruits
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
DNA fingerprinting
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
DNA Replication
Process of copying DNA to produce identical copies
Essential for cell division and inheritance
Semiconservative replication
:
Parent DNA molecule serves as a template for the synthesis of new DNA strands
Each new DNA molecule consists of one parental strand and one newly synthesized strand
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Steps of DNA replication:
Initiation
:
DNA helicase unwinds the double helix by breaking hydrogen bonds between base pairs
Replication fork is formed
Elongation
:
DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the 3’ end of the growing DNA strand
Leading strand is synthesized continuously in the 5’ to 3’ direction
Lagging strand is synthesized discontinuously in short fragments called Okazaki fragments
Termination
:
DNA replication ends when all the DNA has been copied
Enzymes involved in DNA replication
:
DNA helicase, DNA polymerase, DNA ligase, etc.
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Transcription
Process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template
Essential for gene expression
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Steps of transcription
Initiation
:
RNA polymerase binds to the promoter region on the DNA molecule
DNA strands separate, forming a transcription bubble
Elongation
:
RNA polymerase adds complementary RNA nucleotides to the growing mRNA strand
RNA synthesis occurs in the 5’ to 3’ direction
Termination
:
Transcription ends when RNA polymerase reaches the termination signal
The mRNA molecule is released from the DNA template
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Types of RNA
mRNA (messenger RNA)
: Carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome
tRNA (transfer RNA)
: Transfers amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis
rRNA (ribosomal RNA)
: Forms the structure of ribosomes
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Translation
Process of protein synthesis from mRNA template
Takes place in the ribosomes
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Steps of translation:
Initiation
:
mRNA, ribosome subunits, and initiator tRNA bind together
Elongation
:
Ribosome moves along the mRNA, reading the codons and bringing in the appropriate tRNA molecules
Amino acids are linked together to form a growing polypeptide chain
Termination
:
Translation ends when a stop codon is reached
The polypeptide chain is released from the ribosome
Codons and Anticodons
:
Codons: Three-nucleotide sequences on mRNA that specify a particular amino acid
Anticodons: Complementary three-nucleotide sequences on tRNA that bind to the mRNA codons
Genetic code is degenerate, meaning multiple codons can code for the same amino acid
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Mutations
Changes in the DNA sequence
Can occur due to replication errors, exposure to mutagens, etc.
Types of mutations
:
Point mutations: Changes in a single nucleotide base pair
Silent mutation: No change in the amino acid sequence
Missense mutation: Change in one amino acid sequence
Nonsense mutation: Premature stop codon, leading to a truncated protein
Insertions: Addition of nucleotides
Deletions: Removal of nucleotides
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Effects AND EXAMPLES of mutations:
Can lead to changes in protein structure and function
Can result in genetic disorders or diseases
Examples of mutations
:
Sickle cell anemia, Cystic fibrosis, etc.
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Genetic Code
Universal code for protein synthesis
Specifies the relationship between mRNA codons and amino acids
Codons are read in a non-overlapping manner
Start codon (AUG) signals the beginning of protein synthesis
Stop codons (UAA, UAG, UGA) signal the end of protein synthesis
Examples of codon-amino acid relationships
:
AUG: Methionine (start codon)
UUU, UUC: Phenylalanine
GCU, GCC, GCA, GCG: Alanine
UAG, UGA, UAA: Stop codons
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Examples of Nucleic Acids
DNA extraction from fruits
:
Fruits, like strawberries, contain DNA that can be extracted using common household items
The DNA extraction process involves breaking down the fruit cells, removing proteins and other cellular components, and precipitating DNA
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
:
PCR is a laboratory technique used to amplify DNA segments
It involves a series of heating and cooling cycles to denature, anneal, and extend DNA strands
PCR has numerous applications in research, forensic analysis, and medical diagnostics
DNA fingerprinting
:
DNA fingerprinting is a technique used to identify individuals based on their unique DNA profiles
It utilizes highly variable regions of the DNA sequence called short tandem repeats (STRs)
DNA fingerprinting is commonly used in forensic investigations, paternity testing, and anthropology studies
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Summary
Nucleic acids are essential biomolecules in living organisms.
DNA and RNA are the two types of nucleic acids.
DNA carries and transmits genetic information, while RNA plays multiple roles in gene expression.
Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.
DNA has a double-stranded helix structure, whereas RNA is single-stranded.
DNA replication, transcription, and translation are important processes involving nucleic acids.
Mutations can alter the DNA sequence and have various effects on protein structure and function.
The genetic code translates mRNA codons into amino acids during protein synthesis.
Examples of nucleic acids include DNA extraction from fruits, PCR, and DNA fingerprinting.
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
DNA Extraction from Fruits
Materials required
: Fresh fruits (strawberries, bananas, etc.), dishwashing detergent, table salt, rubbing alcohol, water, coffee filter, test tubes
Procedure
:
Mash the fruit in a plastic bag to break down the cells and release the DNA.
Add detergent and salt to the mashed fruit to break down the proteins and dissolve the cell membranes.
Filter the mixture through a coffee filter to remove larger debris.
Transfer the filtrate to a test tube and add cold rubbing alcohol to precipitate the DNA.
Gently mix the test tube and observe the formation of white, stringy DNA strands.
Explanation
: By using common household items, it is possible to extract DNA from fruits, providing a visual demonstration of the presence of genetic material in living organisms.
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Definition
: A laboratory technique used to amplify a specific DNA segment.
Steps
:
Denaturation: Heat the DNA to separate the two strands.
Annealing: Cool the mixture to allow primers to bind to the target DNA.
Extension: DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to extend the DNA strands.
Repeat: Repeat the cycle multiple times to exponentially amplify the DNA segment.
Applications
:
Genetic research: DNA sequencing, gene expression analysis.
Medical diagnostics: Detecting infectious agents, identifying genetic disorders.
Forensic analysis: DNA profiling, paternity testing.
Importance
: PCR revolutionized molecular biology and has numerous applications in various fields.
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
DNA Fingerprinting (DNA Profiling)
Definition
: A technique used to identify individuals based on their unique DNA profiles.
Short Tandem Repeats (STRs)
:
Short sequences of DNA that repeat multiple times in tandem.
Highly variable between individuals due to different numbers of repeats.
Used as genetic markers in DNA fingerprinting.
Procedure
:
Isolate DNA from the sample.
Amplify STR regions using PCR.
Analyze the amplified DNA fragments using gel electrophoresis.
Compare the banding patterns to create a unique DNA profile.
Applications
: Forensic investigations, paternity/maternity testing, genealogical research.
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
DNA Fingerprinting Process (Continued)
Gel Electrophoresis
:
Technique that separates DNA fragments based on their size and charge.
DNA samples are loaded onto a gel matrix and subjected to an electric field.
Smaller DNA fragments migrate faster and move farther on the gel.
Stained DNA bands are visualized under UV light.
Interpretation of Results
:
Each individual has a unique DNA profile based on the number and sizes of the amplified STR fragments.
Matches between profiles indicate a high probability of relatedness or identification.
Further statistical analysis is performed to determine the significance of the match.
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Case Study: Use of DNA Fingerprinting in Solving Crimes
Example 1
: O.J. Simpson trial (1995)
DNA evidence from blood samples found at the crime scene and Simpson’s residence implicated him in the murder trial.
The DNA fingerprinting analysis played a crucial role in the conviction.
Example 2
: Golden State Killer (2018)
Cold case homicide and rape crimes were solved using DNA evidence.
The offender’s DNA profile was matched to a close family member on a genealogy website.
Law enforcement used the family tree information to identify the suspect.
These cases highlight the power of DNA fingerprinting in establishing guilt or innocence and solving long-standing criminal cases.
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Summary: Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids are essential biomolecules in living organisms, including DNA and RNA.
DNA carries and transmits genetic information, while RNA plays multiple roles in gene expression.
Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.
DNA has a double-stranded helix structure, whereas RNA is single-stranded.
DNA replication, transcription, and translation are important processes involving nucleic acids.
Mutations can alter the DNA sequence and have various effects on protein structure and function.
The genetic code translates mRNA codons into amino acids during protein synthesis.
Examples of nucleic acids include DNA extraction from fruits, PCR, and DNA fingerprinting.
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Exam Practice Questions
What are the functions of nucleic acids in living organisms?
Explain the structure of nucleotides and their role in DNA and RNA.
Describe the process of DNA replication and the enzymes involved.
Discuss the steps of transcription and the significance of RNA polymerase.
Explain how genetic mutations can impact protein structure and function.
Describe the process of translation and the role of tRNA in protein synthesis.
What is the genetic code, and how does it translate mRNA codons into amino acids?
Give examples of nucleic acid applications in DNA extraction, PCR, and DNA fingerprinting.
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Exam Practice Questions (Continued)
Demonstrate the steps involved in DNA extraction from fruits.
Outline the PCR technique and its significance in research and diagnostics.
Explain the concept of DNA fingerprinting and the use of STRs as genetic markers.
Describe the gel electrophoresis technique and its role in analyzing DNA fragments.
Discuss real-life examples where DNA fingerprinting has been used in criminal investigations.
Summarize the key concepts and applications of nucleic acids in biology and forensics.
Can you think of any ethical, legal, or societal issues associated with DNA fingerprinting? Explain.
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Further Reading and Resources
Books
:
“Molecular Biology of the Cell” by Bruce Alberts et al.
“Genes IX” by Benjamin Lewin.
Websites
:
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI):
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Khan Academy:
www.khanacademy.org
DNA Interactive:
www.dnai.org
Virtual Museum of Genomics:
www.museumgenome.rockefeller.edu
Biomolecules Nucleic Acids
Questions and Discussion
Encourage students to ask questions related to nucleic acids and the covered topics.
Facilitate a class discussion on the applications, future prospects, and ethical considerations of nucleic acids in various fields.
Provide additional clarification or examples as needed.