The New Republic Assignment 2022

Biology | Graded Assignment | Unit Assessment, Part 2 | Molecular Genetics
Name: Date:
Graded Assignment
Unit Assessment, Part 2: Molecular Genetics
Complete this teacher-scored portion of the assessment and submit it to your teacher.
Total score: ____ of [15] points
(Score for Question 1: ___ of [5] points)
1. One of the central themes in biology is how DNA, RNA, and proteins are related. Describe
how genetic information is passed among those types of molecules. Include the results of the
processes of transcription and translation.
Answer:
The central dogma describes how information flows from DNA until the formation of proteins. It states
genetic information in nucleic acids can be transferred, however, the transfer is irreversible. It flows
from DNA to RNA to protein and three processes are involved, which are: DNA replication
(multiplication genetic information), transcription (transfer of DNA- encoded information to RNA
equivalent, forms the mRNA transcript) and translation (decoding of nucleotide information to a
polypeptide equivalent), (Koonin 27).
(Score for Question 2: ___ of [5] points)
2. DNA remains in the nucleus. mRNA can travel out of the nucleus. Explain how the
functions of DNA and mRNA differ.
Answer:
DNA stores genetic information in the sequence of its bases hence acting as a unit of inheritance when
transmitted across generations. DNA replicates to multiply the genetic information and it a draft of all
genetic information in an organism. On the other hand, RNA initiates the synthesis of proteins needed
for cell structure or function. RNA transcribes the genetic code in DNA to a form that can be read and
utilized in the synthesis of proteins, (Chen, et al. 83).
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