Question 1: Define DNA and describe its primary function in living organisms.

Answer: DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is a polymer made up of nucleotide monomers that stores genetic information used in growth, development, and reproduction of all living organisms.

Question 2: What are amino acids, and why are they important for living organisms?

Answer: Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins, which are essential for various biological functions such as enzyme activity, structure, and signaling.

Question 3: Explain how nucleotides are linked together to form DNA.

Answer: Nucleotides are linked together by phosphodiester bonds between the phosphate group of one nucleotide and the sugar of the next, forming a long chain that makes up the DNA backbone.

Question 4: Identify the four main types of amino acids based on their side chains.

Answer: The four main types are nonpolar (hydrophobic), polar (hydrophilic), acidic, and basic amino acids.

Question 5: Describe the primary structure of a protein.

Answer: The primary structure of a protein is its unique sequence of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.

Question 1: Calculate the number of possible sequences for a short DNA segment consisting of 4 bases (A, T, C, G).

Answer: 4^n, where n=4; so 4^4 = 256 possible sequences.

Question 2: List the steps involved in DNA replication.

Answer: DNA replication involves unwinding the double helix, separating the strands, pairing complementary nucleotides with each original strand, forming new daughter strands, and finally rewinding into a double helix.

Question 1: Explain how the sequence of nucleotides in DNA determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein.

Answer: The sequence of nucleotides in DNA is transcribed into mRNA, which is then translated into a sequence of amino acids in a protein based on the genetic code.

Question 2: Identify the main safety precautions to take when handling chemicals used in protein analysis experiments.

Answer: Wear protective gloves, goggles, and lab coats; work in a well-ventilated area; avoid ingestion or inhalation of chemicals; follow proper disposal procedures.

Question 1: Describe how understanding DNA and amino acids has contributed to advances in medical biotechnology, such as gene therapy.

Answer: Advances in understanding DNA and amino acids have enabled the development of gene therapy, where defective genes are replaced or repaired, leading to treatments for genetic disorders. It also allows for personalized medicine and the production of recombinant proteins like insulin.

Question 2: Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes the role of amino acids in the body?

Answer: B. They are the building blocks of proteins.

Question 3: Fill in the blank: The sequence of three nucleotides in DNA that codes for a specific amino acid is called a __________.

Answer: codon