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Showing posts with the label molecular biology
  Unveiling the Role of Checkpoints in DNA Translation In the intricate process of DNA translation, various checkpoints play a crucial role in ensuring accuracy and efficiency. These checkpoints act as gatekeepers, overseeing each step of the translation process to prevent errors that could potentially lead to detrimental consequences. Let's delve deeper into the significance of checkpoints in DNA translation. Understanding DNA Translation Before we explore the role of checkpoints, let's first understand the process of DNA translation. DNA translation is a fundamental process in biology where the genetic information encoded in DNA is translated into functional proteins. This process occurs in the ribosomes, with the help of transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules that carry amino acids and messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules that serve as a template for protein synthesis. The Importance of Checkpoints Checkpoints in DNA translation act as control mechanisms to ensure that each step of the pro

Genes and Alleles: The Blueprint of Life

     Genes are the fundamental units of heredity, acting as the instructions for the synthesis of proteins that perform a multitude of functions within living organisms. Each gene is a segment of DNA located on chromosomes, carrying the code that dictates specific traits or functions. For instance, the gene for eye color contains the blueprint for the production of pigments that give our eyes their distinctive hues, such as blue, brown, or green.     A lleles, on the other hand, are different versions of the same gene that arise due to variations in the DNA sequence at a particular locus on a chromosome. These variations lead to the diversity of traits observed within a species. A single gene for hair color, for example, may have multiple alleles corresponding to black, brown, blonde, or red hair. Similarly, the gene determining blood type possesses alleles A, B, and O, each contributing to the blood type of an individual.      The expression of these alleles can be either dominant o

Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance

  Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance The chromosomal theory of inheritance was proposed independently by Walter Sutton and Theodore Boveri in 1902. They stated that behavior of chromosomes was parallel to behavior of genes and used chromosome movement to explain Mendel’s laws. The hereditary factors are carried in the nucleus. Like the Mendelian alleles, chromosomes are also found in pairs. The sperm and eggs having haploid sets of chromosomes fuse to re-establish the diploid state. Morgan extensively worked on fruit flies, Drosophila melanogaster and provided experimental evidence to support the chromosomal theory of inheritance. Comparison between the behavior of Genes and Chromosomes Genes Chromosomes Occurs in Pairs. Occurs in Pairs. Segregate at the time of gamete formation such that only one of each pair is transmitted to a gamete. Segregate at gamete formation and only one of each pair is transmitted to a gamete. It has independent pairs segregate independently of each other. It

Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance

  Mendel’s Laws of Inheritance Gregor Johann Mendel (1822–1884) is known as “Father of Genetics”. In 1865, Mendel presented the results of his experiments with nearly 30,000 pea plants. He called genes as “factors”, which are passed from parents to offspring’s. Genes, that code for a pair of opposite traits are called “alleles”. He conducted artificial pollination / cross-pollination experiments using several true-breeding varieties having contrasting traits. Mendel’s Experimental Plant Mendel selected garden pea as his experimental material. Phenotype: Visible expression of genetic constitution e.g., Tall/dwarf Genotype: Genetic constitution of individual e.g., TT, Tt, tt. Mendel’s Observations Monohybrid Cross: Cross involving study of inheritance of one character, e.g., height of plant. Dihybrid Cross: Cross between plants differing in two traits/cross involving study of inheritance of 2 genes or characters. Homozygous: The individual carrying similar alleles for a trait e.g., TT or

Biomolecules

  Biomolecules Biomolecules are essential substances produced by cells and living organisms. They come in various sizes and structures, performing a wide array of functions. Four Major Types of Biomolecules Carbohydrates : These molecules, primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, serve as both energy sources and structural components. They include monosaccharides (single sugar units), disaccharides (two sugar units), oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. Lipids : Lipids play diverse roles in living organisms. They act as stored energy sources, form cell membranes, and serve as chemical messengers. Examples of lipids include fats, phospholipids, and steroids. Nucleic Acids : These biomolecules store an organism’s genetic code. The two main types are DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). DNA carries genetic information, while RNA plays a role in protein synthesis. Proteins : Proteins are crucial for life. They serve as structural elements in cells, tra

Dna

                                         DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is a biological macromolecule that carries hereditary informationin  many organisms. DNA is necessary for the production of proteins, the regulation, metabolism, and reproduction of the cell .  Large compressed DNA molecules with associated proteins, called chromatin, are mostly present inside the nucleus. Some cytoplasmic organelles like the mitochondria also contain DNA molecules. ` DNA is usually a double-stranded polymer of nucleotides, although single-stranded DNA is also known  Nucleotides in DNA are molecules made of deoxyribose sugar, a phosphate and a nitrogenous base. The nitrogenous bases in DNA are of four types – a denine, guanine, thymine and cytosine. The phosphate and the deoxyribose sugars form a backbone-like structure, with the nitrogenous bases extending out like rungs of a ladder. Each sugar molecule is linked through its third and fifth carbon atoms to one phosphate molecule each.