DNA Transcription

Today we reviewed replication and began discussing the central dogma and DNA Transcription.
Thought Questions:

1. What are the main differences between DNA replication and DNA transcription?
2. Why do cells do replication, why do they do transcription and how are the reasons different?
3. Why is the Central Dogma important?

Central Dogma: Gene--->mRNA---->Protein---->Trait  (Where does the environment come into play?)

The 2 main jobs of DNA are: 1. code for proteins (which result in traits). 2. Inheritance (pass along genetic information to offspring)

TRANSCRIPTION: (Basic Transcription video)
Jeopardy Game (Basics and Transcription are the only categories you need look at! the basic section still covers some things we've not discussed yet)

What is it?
Transcription is making a 'copy' of a gene to make a protein. (Many genes may be transcribed at one time, but not all of them).
What are the steps?
1. RNA polymerase unzips the DNA double helix at the beginning of a gene (where does it bind? -the promoter!).
2. Complementary Nucleotides (which have a sugar (ribose in RNA!), the phosphate group, and the nitrogenous bases) are brought in.
3. RNA polymerase connects the sugar-phosphate backbones of the nucleotides by covalent bonds.
4. Hydrogen bonds have formed between the nitrogenous base portions of the mRNA and DNA so these are broken
5. mRNA leaves the nucleus via pores to go to the ribosomes (where translation occurs!)

Here is the ppt on central dogma and transcription!

Central dogma transcription only from lvilleDrFox

Here is another document to help you review Transcription (don't worry about Translation yet!!). Don't forget Cells, Scope lab, and DNA replication!

03 transcribe and translate a gene (1) from lvilleDrFox