Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 40m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 37m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 7m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood1h 22m
18. The Heart1h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance Coming soon
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity Coming soon

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Introduction to Transcription

Anatomy & Physiology

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Introduction to Transcription

Problem 3c

Textbook Question

DNA's primary structure is made up of just four different bases, and its secondary structure is regular and highly stable. How can a molecule with these characteristics hold the information required to build and maintain a cell?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that DNA's primary structure consists of a sequence of four nucleotide bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).

Recognize that the sequence of these bases encodes genetic information, similar to how letters form words and sentences.

Consider the concept of complementary base pairing in DNA's secondary structure, where A pairs with T and C pairs with G, forming a double helix.

Explore how the sequence of bases in DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into proteins, the functional molecules in cells.

Reflect on the role of proteins in cellular functions, as they are responsible for building cellular structures, catalyzing reactions, and regulating processes, thus maintaining the cell.

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

DNA Structure

DNA consists of a backbone made of sugar and phosphate groups, with four nitrogenous bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) attached. The sequence of these bases encodes genetic information, with specific combinations determining the instructions for building proteins and regulating cellular functions.

Base Pairing and Complementarity

The stability of DNA's secondary structure arises from the specific pairing of bases: adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine. This complementarity not only stabilizes the double helix but also allows for accurate replication and transcription, ensuring that genetic information is reliably passed on during cell division.

Genetic Code and Protein Synthesis

The genetic code is a set of rules that defines how sequences of bases in DNA correspond to amino acids in proteins. This code is read in triplets (codons), allowing the cell to translate the information stored in DNA into functional proteins, which are essential for maintaining cellular structure and function.

Watch next

Master Introduction to Transcription with a bite sized video explanation from Jason Amores Sumpter

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

What does a bacterial RNA polymerase produce when it transcribes a protein-coding gene? a. rRNA b. tRNA c. mRNA d. snRNA

1053

views

Textbook Question

What does a bacterial RNA polymerase produce when it transcribes a protein-coding gene? a. rRNA b. tRNA c. mRNA d. snRNA

650

views

Textbook Question

Transcription . a. synthesizes new daughter DNA molecules from an existing DNA molecule; b. results in the synthesis of an RNA copy of a gene; c. pairs thymines (T) with adenines (A); d. occurs on ribosomes

861

views

Textbook Question

DNA's primary structure is made up of just four different bases, and its secondary structure is regular and highly stable. How can a molecule with these characteristics hold the information required to build and maintain a cell?

1123

views

Textbook Question

During the process of transcription, . a. DNA serves as a template for the synthesis of more DNA; b. DNA serves as a template for the synthesis of RNA; c. DNA serves as a template for the synthesis of proteins; d. RNA serves as a template for the synthesis of proteins

2053

views

Textbook Question

Write a single sentence, using no more than 25 words, to summarize each of the following cellular processes:

e. Transcription

310

views

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the best definition of a gene?

Which of the following statements is false?

The strand of DNA that has the same sequence as the RNA molecule being created during transcription is the:

Transcription is sometimes described as a process in which RNA is "copied" from the template strand of DNA. This statement is potentially misleading since _____.

Genetic information of eukaryotic cells is transferred from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in the form of __________.

1125

views

Multiple Choice

In a eukaryotic cell, transcription takes place __________.

1027

views

Multiple Choice