Reference no: EM132707268
Microbial Genetics
1. Give a detailed/comprehensive description of the structure of double-stranded DNA and the mechanism of its replication. At a minimum your answer should address the following points:
What holds the complimentary strands together? Why is this important?
Why must the two strands run in antiparallel directions?
Where does the energy for replication come from?
Roles of the four major enzymes involved in DNA replication?
Properties and limitations of DNA polymerase activity?
Is DNA replication perfect/error-free? Why or why not?
Be sure to use the figure on slide 16 in responding to this question!
2. Give a detailed/comprehensive description of the roles of mRNA, rRNA, and tRNA in the expression of a cells genome. Expression includes comprehensive descriptions of the processes of transcription and translation. Your answer must also include a comprehensive description of the genetic code and the implications of the fact that all cells on our planet use the same genetic code.
3. Compare and contrast the overall organization of genetic information in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Relate the differences in the way these cells organize their genetic information to the size and structure of each cell type and the implications these differences have on their respective processes of transcription and translation.
4. Give a detailed/comprehensive description of prokaryotic operons, comparing and contrasting the similarities and differences between inducible and repressible operons. Be sure to describe the nature of what it is that enables these two types of operons to function differently.
5. From a mechanistic standpoint compare and contrast the three forms of horizontal gene transfer; transformation, conjugation, and transduction? Be sure to include an explanation of how horizontal gene transfer is beneficial to the prokaryotic world.
6. What is the most common cause of random, spontaneous genetic mutation and what is beneficial about the fact that DNA replication has not become perfect/error-free?
7. With reference to the table of genetic code describe what missense, nonsense, and silent mutations are and give a specific example of each.
8. Mutations effect genes and genes encode proteins. How is it possible for mutations to be either neutral, harmful, or beneficial? Hint: Consider the consequence of mutation on protein structure/function.
9. Why are frameshift mutations (either insertions or deletions) so very bad?
10. Mutations create genetic diversity. From a population standpoint why is this a good thing?