1. C8. Nucleic Acids April 7th

2. DNA DNA = DeoxyriboNucleic Acid DNA is a polynucleotide Nucleotide = phosphate group, pentose sugar and an organic base Bases: A, D, T, G (Data Booklet) Sugar-phosphate backbone The structure is  -helix The bases pair with H-bonds: A-T and D-G Function: Stores genetic information

3. Note the number of H bonds: C-G Three for C-G A-T Two for A-T Two strands: Each with S-P backbone and bases as side groups  -helix: S-P outside Bases inside the helix

4. The hydrogen bonds in DNA

5. The genetic code Gene is a segment of DNA that directs the synthesis of a single polypeptide Genetic code is a sequence of nucleotide in triplet. Each triplet is called codon. 64 codon exist in humans 61 of the codons mean amino acid. Example: GUU = valine amino acid. The genetic code determines the order and types of amino acids in protein synthesis.

6. RNA, Ribonucleic acid Smaller than DNA Structure is similar to DNA except: –uracil (U) instead of thymine (T) –D-Ribose sugar instead of 2-deoxy-D-ribose –Single stranded Different types of RNA: –mRNA, messenger RNA –tRNA, transfer RNA –rRNA, ribosomal RNA Role: Translates the genetic information from DNA in protein synthesis

7. DNA and mRNA (transcription)

8. Protein synthesis Division of cell: The DNA code is duplicated, the new cell is a complete copy Replication: Copies of DNA made when a cell divides. Occurs in the nucleus. Transcription: Genetic messages in DNA are read and copied. Used to synthesise RNA in a nucleus. Translation: RNA directs protein synthesis in cytoplasm Read more herehere

9. Replication

10. Translation

11. Translation (animation)

12. DNA profiling DNA profiles are like fingerprints, unique for each person Used when crimes are investigated All cells from an organism creates same DNA Sample from blood, semen, saliva, hair DNA is broken down in small fragments by enzymes. Coded triplets and areas with no code. Separated with electrophoresis Radioactive 32 P and X-rays are used for analysis

14. Example Superman is married to Lois Lane and they have a young son named Johnny. Lately Superman has begun something is amiss with Johnny because he can find his way in the dark and he has a tendency to hang upside down from light fixtures or dark corners of the ceiling. Superman begins to suspect that Lois may have had a fling with her old boyfriend, Batman. Superman gets a court order for a blood sample from himself, Lois, Batman and Johnny. The DNA in each blood sample is amplified (increased is quantity via PCR). The DNA in each blood sample is then cut using restriction enzymes and the DNA fragments are placed in separate chambers of a sheet of gel in an electrophoresis chamber. After an electrical current has been run through the gel, you, the famous paternity judge, view the evidence on the electrophoresis gel (See next slide). Who is the father of Johnny?

15. Example – Electrophoresis results

16. Example cont. The fragments on Johnny's profile should be a mixture of the profiles of his 2 parents. It should be fairly evident that the fragments or lines for Lois and Batman are most similar to those of Johnny. The profile for Superman is not very similar to that of Johnny. Thus, Batman is most likely Johnny's biological father! Reference