Chp 10 Why This Chapter Matters

1. Hereditary information is stored in the chemical language of DNA.

2. DNA directs the biochemical, cellular, anatomical, and physiological activities of the human body.

3. Scientists can manipulate the DNA of cells to modify the traits of crops, transform the characteristics of cells, and treat and potentially prevent disease.

4. Viruses play a key role in the history of molecular biology and continue to be important pathogens in humans, bacteria, plants, and animals.

5. Treatments and cures for viral infections are likely to be the products of research into molecular biology.

Chapter Objectives

Biology and Society: Mix-and-Match Viruses

1. Explain how the H1N1 virus evolved, the global response, and the dangers of influenza viruses over the past 100 years.

DNA: Structure and Replication

2. Explain what was and was not known about DNA by the early 1950s.

3. Describe and compare the chemical compositions of DNA and RNA.

4. Describe the key features of the overall shape of a DNA molecule. Explain how Watson and Crick determined the structure of DNA.

5. Describe the process of DNA replication.

The Flow of Genetic Information from DNA to RNA to Protein

6. Define transcription and translation. Explain why the hypothesis “one gene–one enzyme” is not correct.

7. Explain how the language of DNA directs the production of polypeptides.

8. Explain how codons are used to construct polypeptides.

9. Describe the steps of transcription and the processing of RNA before it leaves the nucleus.

10. Compare the structures and functions of mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA.

11. Describe in detail the process of translation.

12. Distinguish between insertion, deletion, and substitution mutations. Explain how mutations can be harmful or beneficial to organisms.

Viruses and Other Noncellular Infectious Agents

13. Compare the lytic and lysogenic cycles of bacteriophages.

14. Compare the life cycles of RNA and DNA viruses. Describe the spread, symptoms, and prevention of viral diseases in plants and animals.

15. Describe the reproductive cycle of retroviruses such as HIV and the mechanisms by which AZT and protease inhibitors limit AIDS.

16. Explain how viroids and prions cause disease.

Evolution Connection: H1N1 and Other Emerging Viruses

17. Describe the processes that contribute to the emergence of viral disease.