Chapter Objectives

Chapter 9

Molecular Biology of the Gene

1.  Describe the procedures and results of the experiments by Griffith (1928) and Hershey and Chase (1952).

2.  Describe and compare the chemical composition of DNA and RNA.

3.  Describe the key features of the overall shape of a DNA molecule.  Explain how Watson and Crick determined these features of DNA structure.

4.  Describe the process of DNA replication.

5.  Define transcription and translation. explain why the hypothesis "one gene one enzyme" is not completely correct.

6.  Explain how the language of DNA directs the production of polypeptides.

7.  Compare the structures and functions and mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA.

8.  Distinguish between insertion, deletion, and substitution mutations.  Explain how mutations can be harmful or beneficial to organisms.

9.  Describe the reproductive cycle of retroviruses such as HIV.