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7. DNA and Chromosome Structure

DNA as the Genetic Material

7. DNA and Chromosome Structure

DNA as the Genetic Material

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History and Experiments

History and Experiments

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Multiple Choice

The tetranucleotide hypothesis stated what?

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Multiple Choice

The Avery, Macleod, and McCarty experiment in 1944 figured out what?

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Multiple Choice

The Hershey/Chase experiments in 1952 use bacteriophages to study what?

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Textbook Question

What results from the experiments of Frederick Griffith provided the strongest support for his conclusion that a transformation factor is responsible for heredity?

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Textbook Question

In this chapter, we first focused on the information that showed DNA to be the genetic material and then discussed the structure of DNA as proposed by Watson and Crick. We concluded the chapter by describing various techniques developed to study DNA. Along the way, we found many opportunities to consider the methods and reasoning by which much of this information was acquired. From the explanations given in the chapter, what answers would you propose to the following fundamental questions: How do we know that DNA also serves as the genetic material in eukaryotes such as humans?

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Textbook Question

In this chapter, we first focused on the information that showed DNA to be the genetic material and then discussed the structure of DNA as proposed by Watson and Crick. We concluded the chapter by describing various techniques developed to study DNA. Along the way, we found many opportunities to consider the methods and reasoning by which much of this information was acquired. From the explanations given in the chapter, what answers would you propose to the following fundamental questions: How were scientists able to determine that DNA, and not some other molecule, serves as the genetic material in bacteria and bacteriophages?

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Textbook Question

Explain why Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty's in vitro transformation experiment showed that DNA, but not RNA or protein, is the hereditary molecule.

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Textbook Question

Hershey and Chase selected the bacteriophage T2 for their experiment assessing the role of DNA in heredity because T2 contains protein and DNA, but not RNA. Explain why T2 was a good choice for this experiment.

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Textbook Question

Discuss the reasons proteins were generally favored over DNA as the genetic material before 1940. What was the role of the tetranucleotide hypothesis in this controversy?

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Textbook Question

Explain how the Hershey and Chase experiment identified DNA as the hereditary molecule.

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Textbook Question

Contrast the contributions made to an understanding of transformation by Griffith and by Avery and his colleagues.

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Textbook Question

When Avery and his colleagues had obtained what was concluded to be the transforming factor from the IIIS virulent cells, they treated the fraction with proteases, RNase, and DNase, followed in each case by the assay for retention or loss of transforming ability. What were the purpose and results of these experiments? What conclusions were drawn?

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Textbook Question

Given the state of knowledge at the time of the Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty experiment, why was it difficult for some scientists to accept that DNA is the carrier of genetic information?

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Textbook Question

Why were ³²P and ³⁵S chosen for use in the Hershey–Chase experiment? Discuss the rationale and conclusions of this experiment.

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Textbook Question

Does the design of the Hershey–Chase experiment distinguish between DNA and RNA as the molecule serving as the genetic material? Why or why not?

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Textbook Question

What observations are consistent with the conclusion that DNA serves as the genetic material in eukaryotes? List and discuss them.

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Textbook Question

What are the exceptions to the general rule that DNA is the genetic material in all organisms? What evidence supports these exceptions?

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Textbook Question

Describe the various characteristics of the Watson–Crick double-helix model for DNA.

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Textbook Question

What evidence did Watson and Crick have at their disposal in 1953? What was their approach in arriving at the structure of DNA?

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Textbook Question

How is the absorption of ultraviolet light by DNA and RNA important in the analysis of nucleic acids?

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Textbook Question

What is the physical state of DNA after it is heated and denatured?

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Textbook Question

What is the hyperchromic effect? How is it measured? What does Tₘ imply?

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Textbook Question

Why is Tₘ related to base composition?

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Textbook Question

Albinism, an autosomal recessive trait characterized by an absence of skin pigmentation, is found in 1 in 4000 people in populations at equilibrium. Brachydactyly, an autosomal dominant trait producing shortened fingers and toes, is found in 1 in 6000 people in populations at equilibrium. For each of these traits, calculate the frequency of the recessive allele at the locus

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Textbook Question

A primitive eukaryote was discovered that displayed a unique nucleic acid as its genetic material. Analysis provided the following information: A major hyperchromic shift is evident upon heating and monitoring UV absorption at 260 nm.

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Textbook Question

A primitive eukaryote was discovered that displayed a unique nucleic acid as its genetic material. Analysis provided the following information: The general X-ray diffraction pattern is similar to that of DNA, but with somewhat different dimensions and more irregularity.

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