Exploring DNA and Gene Expression

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What is DNA?

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DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life, composed of two strands forming a double helix.

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What is gene expression?

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Gene expression is the process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, typically proteins.

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What is gel electrophoresis?

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Gel electrophoresis is a laboratory method used to separate DNA fragments based on their size by applying an electric field.

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How do restriction enzymes function in genetic engineering?

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Restriction enzymes cut DNA at specific sequences, allowing scientists to manipulate genes for various applications.

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What is transcription?

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Transcription is the process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA, which is the first step in gene expression.

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What is translation?

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Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using the mRNA template.

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What is a frameshift mutation?

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A frameshift mutation occurs when nucleotides are added or deleted from the DNA sequence, shifting the reading frame and altering the entire protein.

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What is the role of mRNA?

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mRNA (messenger RNA) carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.

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What are operons?

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Operons are clusters of genes under the control of a single promoter, commonly found in prokaryotes, that regulate gene expression.

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What is the significance of the genetic code?

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The genetic code is a set of rules that defines how the sequence of nucleotides in DNA is translated into the amino acid sequence of proteins.