Class notes

Biochemistry I - Chapter 1.4

7 views 0 purchase

Course
Biochemistry I (BIOL2080U)

Institution
University Of Ontario Institute Of Technology (UOIT )

Lecture notes study book Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry of Nelson David L., Albert L. Lehninger, David L. Nelson, Michael M. Cox, University Michael M Cox (1.4) - ISBN: 9780716743392 (Chapter 1.4)

[Show more]

Preview 1 out of 4 pages

View example

Uploaded on May 28, 2021
Number of pages 4
Written in 2020/2021
Type Class notes
Professor(s) Cristen hucaluk
Contains All classes

CA$29.76

Added

Add to cart Add to wishlist

100% satisfaction guarantee
Immediately available after payment
Both online and in PDF
No strings attached

1.4 – Genetic Foundations

SUMMARY 1.4 Genetic Foundations
■ Genetic information is encoded in the linear sequence of four types of

deoxyribonucleotides in DNA.

■ The double-helical DNA molecule contains an internal template for its own replication and
repair.

■ DNA molecules are extraordinarily large, with molecular weights in the millions or billions.

■ Despite the enormous size of DNA, the sequence of its nucleotides is very precise, and the
maintenance of this precise sequence over very long times is the basis for genetic continuity
in organisms.

■ The linear sequence of amino acids in a protein, which is encoded in the DNA of the gene
for that protein, produces a protein’s unique three- dimensional structure—a process also
dependent on environmental conditions.

■ Individual macromolecules with specific affinity for other macromolecules self-assemble
into supramolecular complexes.

Perhaps the most remarkable property of living cells and organisms is their ability to
reproduce themselves for countless generations with nearly perfect fidelity. This continuity
of inherited traits implies constancy, over millions of years, in the structure of the molecules
that contain the genetic information. Very few historical records of civilization, even those
etched in copper or carved in stone (Fig. 1-31), have survived for a thousand years. But
there is good evidence that the genetic instructions in living organisms have remained
nearly unchanged over very much longer periods; many bacteria have nearly the same size,
shape, and internal structure as bacteria that lived almost four billion years ago. This
continuity of structure and composition is the result of continuity in the structure of the
genetic material.

FIGURE 1-31 Two ancient scripts. (a) The Prism of Sennacherib, inscribed in about 700
BCE, describes in characters of the Assyrian language some historical events during the
reign of King Sennacherib. The Prism contains about 20,000 characters, weighs about 50 kg,
and has survived almost intact for about 2,700 years. (b) The single DNA molecule of the
bacterium E. coli, leaking out of a disrupted cell, is hundreds of times longer than the cell
itself and contains all the encoded information necessary to specify the cell’s structure and
functions. The bacterial DNA contains about 4.6 million

−10
characters (nucleotides), weighs less than 10 g, and has undergone only relatively minor
changes during the past several million years. (The yellow spots and dark specks in this
colorized electron micrograph are artifacts of the preparation.) [Sources: (a) Erich
Lessing/Art Resource, New York. (b) Dr. Gopal Murti–CNRI/Phototake New York.]

The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:

Guaranteed quality through customer reviews

Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.

Quick and easy check-out

You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.

Focus on what matters

Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!

Frequently asked questions

What do I get when I buy this document?

You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.

Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?

Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.

Who am I buying these notes from?

Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller kuganesh02. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.

Will I be stuck with a subscription?

No, you only buy these notes for CA$29.76. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.

Can Stuvia be trusted?

4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)

77254 documents were sold in the last 30 days

Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now

Start selling

Class notes

Biochemistry I - Chapter 1.4

Document information

Subjects

Connected book

More summaries for

Written for

Seller

Content preview