UNIT 5- NUCLEIC ACIDS

Unit Summary
In the Nucleic Acid unit, you will learn about the discovery of DNA and the compositon of the strands of DNA and RNA. You will also learn about DNA replication, transcription, and translation. The unit covers everything about DNA and RNA, including how genes are formed and genetic mutations and disorders. It is a very intriguing unit, and worth taking the time to learn.

Unit Objectives

• Teach how DNA was discovered
• Tell about the basic structure of DNA and RNA
• Learn how DNA is replicated
• Teach about Transcription and Translation
• Tell about how gene work and mutate
• Learn about various genetic disorders

Vocabulary

• Crick, Francis - One of the two scientists that discovered the double-helix shape of DNA.
• DNA - DeoxyriboNucleic Acid; stores and transmits the genetic information that tells cells which protiens to make and when to make them. It is a double-helix shape.
• DNA Replication - The creation of an identical DNA strand using enzymes
• Gene - A discrete unit of hereditary information consisting of a specific nucleotide sequence in DNA (or RNA, in some viruses)
• mRNA - Messenger RNA
• Mutation - A rare change in the DNA of a gene ultimately creating genetic diversity
• Nitrogen Bases - The basic structure of DNA and RNA; Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, Guanine, Uracil
• RNA - RiboNucleic Acid; moves genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the site of protein synthesis in the cytosol.
• rRNA - Ribosomal RNA
• Transcription - The process of creating RNA from DNA
• Translation - The process of creating amino acids using mRNA
• tRNA - Transfer RNA
• Watson, James - One of the two scientists that discovered the double-helix shape of DNA.

	Kim L. (Protein Synthesis)
	Savannah B. (DNA)
	Nick H. (RNA)
	Mike B. (Home Page)