Molecular Biology Concepts and Processes

This video tutorial by Mr. Chipman covers key topics in AP Biology Unit 6, focusing on gene expression and regulation. It begins with an introduction to DNA structure, explaining nucleotides and hydrogen bonds. The video then delves into DNA replication, highlighting the semi-conservative process and the role of enzymes. Transcription and translation are discussed as part of protein synthesis, emphasizing the central dogma. The tutorial also explores gene regulation mechanisms, such as operons, and the impact of mutations on gene expression. Finally, it introduces biotechnology techniques like PCR and gel electrophoresis.

What are the three main components of a DNA nucleotide?

• Glucose, phosphate group, nitrogenous base

• Ribose sugar, phosphate group, nitrogenous base

• Deoxyribose sugar, sulfate group, nitrogenous base

• Deoxyribose sugar, phosphate group, nitrogenous base

In DNA replication, what is the role of the enzyme helicase?

• It joins Okazaki fragments.

• It synthesizes RNA primers.

• It adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand.

• It unzips the DNA double helix.

Which strand is synthesized continuously during DNA replication?

• Lagging strand

• Template strand

• Leading strand

• Coding strand

What is the primary function of mRNA in the cell?

• To replicate DNA

• To carry amino acids to the ribosome

• To form the structure of ribosomes

• To serve as a template for protein synthesis

What is the process of converting RNA into a protein called?

• Translocation

• Replication

• Transcription

• Translation

In prokaryotic gene regulation, what is the function of an operon?

• To synthesize ribosomal RNA

• To splice RNA transcripts

• To regulate the expression of a group of genes

• To initiate DNA replication

What is the role of transcription factors in eukaryotic cells?

• They splice RNA transcripts.

• They regulate gene expression by binding to DNA.

• They initiate DNA replication.

• They synthesize ribosomal RNA.

Which type of mutation involves the insertion or deletion of a nucleotide, altering the reading frame?

• Point mutation

• Silent mutation

• Frameshift mutation

• Nonsense mutation

What is the purpose of gel electrophoresis in biotechnology?

• To clone DNA

• To sequence DNA

• To separate DNA fragments by size

• To amplify DNA sequences

What is the function of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in genetic studies?

• To sequence entire genomes

• To cut DNA at specific sequences

• To separate DNA fragments by size

• To amplify specific DNA sequences