Graded Assignment: Molecular Genetics Unit Assessment, Biology

This assignment is a graded assessment focusing on molecular genetics, specifically the relationship between DNA, RNA, and proteins. The assignment requires students to describe how genetic information is passed among these molecules, including the processes of transcription and translation. It also explores the differences in function between DNA and mRNA, and the roles of messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) in protein production. The answers provided highlight the central dogma of molecular biology, the roles of different RNA types in protein synthesis, and the mechanisms by which genetic information is stored, transferred, and utilized within a cell. The assignment includes references to key scientific literature supporting the concepts discussed.

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).
© 2018 K12 Inc. All rights reserved. Page 1 of 3
Copying or distributing without K12’s written consent is prohibited.

Biology | Graded Assignment | Unit Assessment, Part 2 | Molecular Genetics
(Score for Question 3: ___ of [5] points)
3. When scientists refer to the DNA to RNA to proteins pathway, the RNA part of that pathway
really represents three different types of RNA: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA
(tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). How is each type of RNA important to protein
production?
Answer:
Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are a transcript of a specific segment of DNA representing a genetic unit.
They carry and possess genetic information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm to initiate protein
synthesis. They transcribe the genetic code in DNA to a form that can be read and utilized in the
synthesis of proteins. Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) mediate the translation of mRNA encoded information to
amino acids to form a protein product. Carry specific amino acids during the translation process.
Ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) are structural components of ribosomes where the protein synthesis process
takes place. Simply they direct the translation of the messenger RNA into specific amino acid
sequences, (Nawrocki 165).
© 2018 K12 Inc. All rights reserved. Page 2 of 3
Copying or distributing without K12’s written consent is prohibited.

History | Lesson Answer Key | The New Republic
Works Cited
Chen, Tingjian, et al. "The expanding world of DNA and RNA." Current Opinion in Chemical
Biology, vol. 34, 2016, pp. 80-87.
Koonin, Eugene V. "Does the central dogma still stand?" Biology Direct, vol. 7, no. 1, 2012, p. 27.
Nawrocki, Eric P. "Annotating Functional RNAs in Genomes Using Infernal." Methods in
Molecular Biology, 2013, pp. 163-197.
© 2015 K12 Inc. All rights reserved. Page 3 of 3
Copying or distributing without K12’s written consent is prohibited.