DNA is like the blueprint for the creation and proper functioning of every living organism. Organisms can sometimes be divided into prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Examples of prokaryotes and eukaryotes include bacteria and humans, respectively. These organisms must possess a method of replicating DNA, so a copy is provided for each cell that divides. Each cell’s responsibility is coordinated by the piece of DNA and thus, makes it a very valuable part of the cell and organism. So what are the methods of replicating DNA in eukaryotes and prokaryotes? DNA replication in prokaryotes consists of several enzymes and proteins which are responsible for different tasks, but together make the process seem effortless. DNA replication in eukaryotes is similar, but more complicated given that eukaryotic chromosomes are linear, possess more than one origin, and have nucleosome structures which need to be replicated. Regardless, a technique named PCR, developed by Kary Mullis, has the ability to “produce exponentially large amounts of a specific piece of DNA from trace amounts of template DNA” (Bio-Rad). PCR has the ability to replicate DNA in eukaryotic cells. Prokaryotic replication and PCR both replicate DNA, so the similarities are apparent in terms of methods, but there also appears to be subtle differences concerning the enzymes and proteins utilized during each process. As stated previously, similarities are clearly apparent between the prokaryotic replication and PCR. Before
This book has been molded to be a breakdown of how various fields in science have progressed over centuries as mankind has advanced. The book starts off introducing the idea that the telling of natural history has changed numerous times as humans have evolved. We also learn to agree that our knowledge has been shaped by the tools available and the perceptions of its users. In the earliest stages of life, Muehlbauer states “…observers of the natural world had only their senses to work with, and were limited to visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory descriptions perceived by the unaided
The book “Plato to Darwin to DNA: A Brief History,” written by Esther Muehlbauer, is a summary on the history of biology. This book introduces some of the first and most influential philosophers along with the contributions they made to Biology. This book explains how the biology evolved through the discoveries and theories of these ancient philosophers along with the influences of ancient cultures. As Esther states in her introduction of the book, Natural Science was born from Philosophy (Muehlbauer, 2015).
How DNA replicates is quite a simple process. First, a DNA molecule is "unzipped". In other words, it splits into two strands of DNA at one end of the DNA molecule. This separation will cause a formation of a replication fork.
In 2010, Francis S. Collins penned The Language of Life: DNA and the Revolution in Personalized Medicine. At that time, he was the director of the Human Genome Project and now currently serves as the head of the National Institutes of Health. Collins is an American geneticist who was influential in discovering the genes responsible for cystic fibrosis and type II diabetes. The Language of Life: DNA and the Revolution in Personalized Medicine begins with a rough overview of genetic principles that will be used in further chapters. The book delves into dominant and recessive genes, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and other genetic mutations, as well as, various conditions that arise from the previous genetic circumstances.
- Molecular study (How does your organism carry out its life functions? Nutrition, transport, growth, synthesis, respiration, regulation, metabolic processes, etc.)
Transcription is a process in which information in a strand of DNA is copied to a new molecule of messenger RNA. DNA stores genetic material in the nuclei of cells. RNA is a copy of the original DNA material but is not used for long term storage and is free to exit the nucleus. Although it is not an exact copy of the DNA segment. Transcription is carried out by an enzyme called RNA polymerase and proteins called transcription factors. Newly formed mRNA copies of genes serve as blueprints for protein synthesis during translation.
In the replication process of DNA, there are similarities between the process of replication of a Eukaryote cell and Prokaryote cell. There are also differences in both processes. The most notable difference would have to start with the cell themselves, which may add to additional differences in the processes. A prokaryote is a more simplistic cell with less DNA and a Eukaryote cell is much more complex with vast amounts of DNA.
In the article, Meselson and Stahl investigate the distribution between the parental and daughter DNA molecules. This is achieved by the use of Radio Isotopic labelling. Uniform Isotopic N15 was grown in E.coli consisting of N14 medium to observe the distribution of N15 DNA macromolecules. Within the article, the authors also discuss the problems they faced during the investigation and how significant Watsons and Cricks Double helix suggests how DNA self-replicates.
The polymerase chain reaction or PCR for short can be used to create many copies of DNA. This allows the DNA to then be visualized using a dye like ethidium bromide after gel electrophoresis. The process has been refined over the years, however the basic steps are similar.
As the 2 DNA strands open at the origin, replication, 2 strands open forming replication forks(Y shaped) then new strands grow on the forks As the 2 DNA strands open, replication bubbles form, Prokaryotes (Bacteria) have a SINGLE bubble, and Eukaryotic chromosomes have many bubbles. Enzymes unwind and separate the 2 DNA strands by breaking the weak hydrogen bonds. Single strand binding proteins attach and keep the 2 DNA strands separated and untwisted. Enzyme topoisomerase attaches to the 2 different forks of the bubble to relieve stress on the DNA molecule as it separates. Before new DNA strands can form, they must be RNA primers present to start the addition of new nucleotides. Primase is the enzyme that synthesizes the RNA primer, DNA polymerase can then add the new nucleotides. Cloning is a good
The main organic compounds are carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids and proteins. They all help our bodies in different ways. Some provide energy in our bodies while others are used a instruments in genetics. We need these compounds to live.
How are proteins made? Where is the birth of proteins take place? It all starts with DNA. DNA is genetic information found in the nucleus of a cell. The first stage in order to make DNA is sending a RNA call mRNA (also known as messenger RNA). This RNA is can fit through pores from the cell’s walls, but DNA can’t because it is too big to fit in the pores, but RNA is small enough to fit through the pores. In the DNA strand there are nitrogen bases and three nitrogen bases in that strand are called DNA triplets, or also known as codon. One DNA is broken into two strands and the mRNA copies that strand of DNA. The mRNA copies all the codons into anti-codons. This process is called transcription; copying a strand of DNA. The mRNA is now going to
The Genome is an organism’s complete set of genetic instructions. Each genome contains all the information needed to allow that organism to build and grow. There are instructions in our genome are made of DNA. All living things have a unique genome.
Like DNA replication within an organism, PCR requires a DNA polymerase enzyme that makes new strands of DNA, using existing strands as templates. The DNA polymerase typically used in PCR is called Taq polymerase, after the
The process of DNA replication plays a crucial role in providing genetic continuity from one generation to the next. Knowledge of the structure of DNA began with the discovery of nucleic acids in 1869. In 1952, an accurate model of the DNA molecule was presented, thanks to the work of Rosalind Franklin, James Watson, and Francis Crick. To reproduce, a cell must copy and transmit its genetic information (DNA) to all of its progeny. To do so, DNA replicates following the process of semi-conservative replication. Two strands of DNA are obtained from one, having produced two daughter molecules that are identical to one another and to the parent molecule. This essay reviews the three stages