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BTEC applied science - Unit 11 Assignment A (grade distinction)
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Unit 11 - Genetics and Genetic Engineering Assignment A - Structure and function of nucleic acids
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Catherine Harries-HarrisUnit 11 - Genetics and Genetic
Engineering
Assignment 1 - Structure and function of nucleic acids
Table of contents
Table of contents.................................................................................................................... 1
Table of contents.................................................................................................................... 1
Introduction............................................................................................................................. 1
Introduction............................................................................................................................. 1
Structure and function of DNA and various nucleic acids.......................................................2
Structure and function of DNA and various nucleic acids.......................................................2
DNA replication................................................................................................................... 4
DNA replication................................................................................................................... 4
The role of nucleic acids in protein synthesis......................................................................5
The role of nucleic acids in protein synthesis......................................................................5
Transcription and translation.............................................................................................10
Transcription and translation.............................................................................................10
Impact of error in the stages of protein synthesis.................................................................14
Impact of error in the stages of protein synthesis.................................................................14
Conclusion............................................................................................................................ 16
Conclusion............................................................................................................................ 16
Bibliography.......................................................................................................................... 17
Bibliography.......................................................................................................................... 17
Introduction
This report contains information about the roles of DNA and RNA in protein synthesis.
Firstly, it explains the structure and function of DNA and various nucleic acids. Secondly, it
discusses the functional role of nucleic acids in DNA in the stages of protein synthesis.
Thirdly, it assesses the impact of error in the stages of protein synthesis. Other things that
are included are key information about, DNA, RNA, triplet codes, codon, anticodon,
degenerate code, non-overlapping, missense, nonsense, silent, insertion, deletion,
duplication, and frameshift.
1
,Catherine Harries-Harris
Structure and function of DNA and various nucleic
acids
DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. It is a compound composed of two long molecules.
These molecules are grouped in a spiral pattern, similar to that of a twisted ladder, this
structure is called a double helix. DNA is a molecule that conveys genetic information. Every
cell has its own identity and corresponding DNA. It contains all of the instructions a living
creature requires to survive, reproduce, and operate. DNA is organised into coiled strands in
the nucleus of a cell by complex proteins called histones. Each diploid cell in the human
body contains 23 pairs of chromosomes in its nucleus, half of each pair is inherited from
each genetic parent. A chromosome contains hundreds of genes, genes are DNA segments
that contain a specific set of codons (see functional role of nucleic acids in DNA section)
which vary in length. Genes store information about certain features, such as eye colour and
shape. Different groups of genes include information for various traits.
Nucleotides are the molecules that make up DNA. A phosphate group, a sugar group termed
pentose (5-carbon), and the nitrogenous base are all present in each nucleotide. Adenine
(A), Thymidine (T), Guanine (G), and Cytosine (C) are the four types of nucleotides, and
each has a specific nitrogenous base. DNA's instructions, or genetic code, are determined
by the arrangement of the nucleotides. Around 3 billion bases make up human DNA. The
monomers of nucleic acids are called nucleotides. Nucleic acids, DNA (deoxyribonucleic
acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) are polymers and are found throughout the world. They can
be found in all living things on the planet, including prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and
viruses (akaryotes).
Figure 1 - Nucleotide, 24/2/2022 – The Science Hive
Figure 1 shows a visual representation of a nucleotide containing a phosphate group, a
sugar group termed pentose (5-carbon), and the nitrogenous base. Figure 2 shows the
chemical structure of a nucleotide, including a phosphate, a nitrogenous base and a 5-
carbon sugar.
2
, Catherine Harries-Harris
Figure 2 - Nucleotide chemical structure, 24/2/2022 - Socratic
Genes are formed by the arrangement of nitrogen bases in a DNA sequence, which informs
cells how to generate proteins. Ribonucleic acid, or RNA, is a type of nucleic acid that
converts genetic information from DNA and proteins. Nucleotides are linked together to form
two long strands that spiral to form a double helix shape. The bases on one strand pair with
the bases on the other strand: A and T pair, and G and C pair. Between the nitrogen bases,
are hydrogen bonds, between A and T there are two hydrogen bonds and between G and C
there are three, as shown in Figure 3. Below in Figure 3 shows the structure of DNA showing
which base pair to which, and the corresponding number of hydrogen bonds required (G and
C have a triple bond and A and T have a double bond). Also, a DNA ladder with sugar-
phosphate backbones and the structure and appearance of the double helix and the
hydrogen bonds holding the helix together.
3
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