BASC02 Full PDF

The Structure and Function
of Nucleic Acids
Revised edition
C.F.A. Bryce* and D. Pacini†

*Department of Biological Sciences, Napier University, Edinburgh, and
†Bolton School Boy’s Division, Bolton
The Biochemistry Across the School Curriculum Group (BASC) was set
up by the Biochemical Society in 1985. Its membership includes edu-
cation professionals as well as Society members with an interest in
school science education. Its first task has been to produce this series of
booklets, designed to help teachers of syllabuses which have a high bio-
chemical content.
Other topics covered by this series include: Essential Chemistry for

Biochemistry; Enzymes and their Role in Biotechnology; Metabolism;
Immunology; Photosynthesis; Recombinant DNA Technology; Biological
Membranes; and The Biochemical Basis of Disease.
More information on the work of BASC and these booklets is available

from the Education Officer at the Biochemical Society, 59 Portland
Place, London W1N 3AJ.
Comments on the content of this booklet will be welcomed by the Series

Editor Mrs D. Gull at the above address.
ISBN 0 90449 834 4
© The Biochemical Society 1998

First edition published 1991
All BASC material is copyright by the Biochemical Society. Extracts

may be photocopied for classroom work, but complete reproduction of
the entire text or incorporation of any of the material with other doc-
uments or coursework requires approval by the Biochemical Society.
Printed by Holbrooks Printers Ltd, Portsmouth, U.K.

Contents
Foreword................................................................................v
1 Nucleic acids and genetic information transfer ................1
Learning objectives.................................................................................1
Introduction.............................................................................................1
2 Isolation and structure of nucleic acids..............................5
Learning objectives.................................................................................5
Sugars........................................................................................................6
Bases .........................................................................................................7
Inorganic phosphate...............................................................................8
Building nucleic acids from their building blocks..............................8
Nucleoside di- and triphosphates .......................................................9
Nucleic acids .........................................................................................10
DNA isolation, base composition and structure ...........................12
RNA isolation, base composition and structure............................17
3 DNA replication.................................................................21
Learning objectives ..............................................................................21

Introduction ..........................................................................................21
The Meselson and Stahl experiment................................................23
Mechanism of replication....................................................................25
4 The genetic code................................................................29

Introduction ..........................................................................................29
How many bases code for an amino acid? ......................................31
Evidence for a triplet code .................................................................32
Deciphering the code..........................................................................33
Nonsense codons ................................................................................34
iii
5 Transcription ......................................................................37

Introduction ..........................................................................................37
Mechanism of transcription ...............................................................38
6 Translation..........................................................................41

Introduction ..........................................................................................41
Activation of tRNA..............................................................................42
Initiation .................................................................................................43
Elongation ..............................................................................................44
Termination ...........................................................................................45
Polysomes ..............................................................................................46
7 Assessment: past examination questions and outline

solutions..............................................................................47
Questions ..............................................................................................47
Answers .................................................................................................56
8 Laboratory practicals ........................................................59
Extraction and characterization of DNA from Micrococcus

lysodeikticus ............................................................................................59
Purification of RNA .............................................................................61
Further practicals.................................................................................62
9 Source materials ................................................................63
Textbooks ..............................................................................................63
Articles ...................................................................................................63
Teaching aids..........................................................................................64
Subject index ......................................................................65
iv
Foreword
A study of the structure and function of nucleic acids is needed to be
able to understand how information controlling the characteristics of an
organism is stored in the form of genes in a cell and how these genes are
transmitted to future generations of offspring. The rapid developments
in the area of genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology
(which are covered in Booklet 7 of the BASC series) have only been
possible as a result of detailed understanding of the structure of DNA
and RNA. It is therefore not surprising to see nucleic acids included in
the compulsory core subject matter of all of the linear and modular A-
level Biology syllabuses. The major purpose of these guidance notes is to
provide an account of the role of DNA and RNA in these processes in at
least sufficient detail for A-level study. Additional information more
suited for general interest, Oxbridge preparation or first-year under-
graduate study is placed in shaded boxes of text.
In order to maximize the benefit of this booklet for A-level students
and their teachers, a set of learning objectives have been included at the
start of chapters 1–6. These objectives are based upon the relevant
knowledge and understanding statements of current A-level Biology
syllabuses. Chapter 7 consists of recent A-level examination questions
and answers and this should help students get a feel for the level of detail
required. We are grateful to the various Examinations Boards, especially
the Northern Examinations and Assessment Board (NEAB), for their
permission to include this material.
v
1
Nucleic acids and genetic
information transfer
Learning objectives
Each student should, without reference to his or her notes, be able to:
• state that the genotype describes the genetic composition of an
organism in terms of specific genes, i.e. alleles that it contains;
• state that the phenotype is the collection of visible characteristics
which identify an individual organism;
• state that the phenotype of an individual depends not only on its
genotype but also on the environment in which it lives; and
• state that DNA, which is found in the nucleus of a cell, contains and
is responsible for the transfer of genetic information, i.e. the
genotype.
Introduction
Normally, when we talk about genes and heredity we perhaps think
immediately of how children resemble their parents or, depending on
our background knowledge, we may even think about Mendel and the
height and colour of his pea plants. This level of genetics is known as
phenotypic expression, where the phenotype of an individual is the col-
lection of visible and recognizable characteristics by which that indi-
vidual is identified.
The phenotype is influenced by the environment as well as the
genotype; but this aspect is more appropriate to classical genetics and will
not concern us at the present time. In this section we are more concerned
with the collection of the inherited factors which determine these traits,
1
2 Nucleic acids: structure and function
and this is a cell’s genotypic expression. The genotype is the genetic com-
position of an organism in terms of the forms of specific genes, i.e. alleles,
that it contains, and its study is referred to as molecular genetics.
The very fact that a child can resemble one or both parents means
that there was some way in which the genetic information was passed
from the parent to the child. What then is the nature of the genetic
material? The answer to this question came from the experimental
observations shown in Table 1.
More to heredity than DNA

In similar types of nuclear transplantation experiments, scientists have recently
revealed that the environment of the nucleus (i.e. the cytoplasm in which it finds
itself) can alter the functioning of key genes, including those which determine
body size.These have been referred to as epigenetic changes, these being
changes which affect the way DNA works rather than sequence changes.These
findings could have implications for in vitro fertilization in humans.
New Scientist (19 April 1997)
Single-cell organisms take a siesta

In 1997 a short report appeared which indicated that a study on the patterns of
DNA synthesis in single-cell organisms revealed that cells synthesized DNA from
sunrise to about noon, then shut down synthesis for between three and six
hours, then restarted before sunset.The explanation given for this phenomenon is
that this represents an evolutionary throwback to the Precambrian times when
there was no ozone layer and hence the sun’s ultraviolet light at its peak could
have damaged the DNA.This may have a future significance if the ozone layer
does continue to degrade.
New Scientist (4 January 1997)
Such studies represent the most conclusive evidence that DNA is

responsible for the transfer of genetic information, at least in micro-
organisms and viruses. The evidence that this is also true in higher
organisms (plants and animals), although somewhat less conclusive,
leaves no doubt that this is the case. Since some virus particles have been
found that have no DNA, but which have RNA instead, it is more
correct to say that ‘nucleic acids are the genetic information carriers’.
The exact roles of DNA and RNA in the complex process of the
transfer of genetic information are the subjects of subsequent sections of
this booklet.
Nucleic acids and genetic information transfer
Table 1. Steps in the discovery of DNA as the genetic material
Experimenter(s) and dates Details of procedure Conclusion
Late 19th century biologists Removal of the nucleus of the cell produced death, ‘Something’ in the nucleus is responsible for a
but removal of the same volume of cytoplasm did not. cell’s survival.
Late 19th century biologists Removal of a cell nucleus followed by transplantation ‘Something’ in the nucleus is responsible for
of the nucleus from a different cell type changed the the phenotype of a cell.
shape and function of the donor cell.
Griffiths (1929) Dead, disease-producing, virulent strains of Pneumococcus ‘Something’ had been transferred from the
were able to transform harmless cells of non-virulent dead organisms that altered the phenotype of
Pneumococcus into lethal organisms. the living cells.
Avery and MacLeod (1944) These workers extracted the DNA from the virulent DNA is responsible for cell transformation
Pneumococcus bacterium. On adding it to non-virulent i.e. a cell’s phenotype.
strains these were transformed into disease-causing
organisms.The DNA contained no detectable protein
and was unaffected by proteases, but the transformation
was affected by use of DNase.
Hershey and Chase (1953) These workers infected Escherichia coli bacteria using a DNA is responsible for cell transformation
radioactive strain of T2 bacteriophage virus in which the i.e. a cell’s phenotype.
phosphorus atoms in the DNA and the sulphur atoms in
the coat protein were labelled.This revealed that only the
DNA entered the bacteria, causing transformation.
3
2
Isolation and structure of
nucleic acids
Learning objectives
• state that DNA is composed of phosphate, deoxyribose and the four
major bases: adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine;
• state that RNA is composed of phosphate, ribose, adenine, guanine,
cytosine and uracil;
• state that DNA and RNA are polymers of nucleotide subunits;
• state that a nucleotide is composed of a phosphate group, a pentose
sugar and one of the four corresponding bases;
• state that the backbone of a DNA molecule is a chain of repeating
deoxyribose–phosphate units;
• state that the backbone of an RNA molecule is a chain of repeating
ribose–phosphate units;
• state that each molecule of DNA is usually composed of two chains;
• state that in DNA, adenine will only bind with thymine on opposite
chains and guanine will only bind with cytosine on opposite chains;
• state that the two linked chains in DNA are arranged in a double helix;
• state that there are three principal types of RNA, these being
messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal
RNA (rRNA), which are all single-stranded molecules;
• state the function of the three principal types of RNA;
• draw a diagram of a simple ladder-like representation of a DNA
molecule; and
• state that DNA is a stable polynucleotide which contains coded
genetic information for inherited characteristics.
5
6 Isolation and structure of nucleic acids
Introduction
Although the nucleic acids were first discovered in 1868, by Friedrich
Miescher working with pus cells obtained from discarded surgical
bandages, it was not really until the early 1940s that the chemistry and
biology of the nucleic acids were set on firm foundations.
Basically, nucleic acids can be subdivided into two types: deoxy-
ribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Both DNA and
RNA have been shown to consist of three groups of molecules: pentose
(5-carbon-atom) sugars; organic bases; and inorganic phosphate.
Sugars
There are only two types of sugar present in nucleic acids, ribose which
is present solely in RNA (hence its name) and deoxyribose which is
present solely in DNA (again, the sugar gives rise to the name deoxy-
ribonucleic acid). The chemical structures for these compounds are
shown here:
HOCH2 O OH HOCH2 O OH
No OH
OH OH OH H group
Ribose Deoxyribose
The prefix ‘deoxy’ means ‘without oxygen’, and we can see from
the structures that the only difference between them is the absence of an
oxygen in the deoxyribose sugar (see shaded area). Both sugars contain 5
carbon atoms (pentose sugars) and for convenience we number these as
shown in the next figure. The ‘dash’ or ‘prime’ () on, for example, the 5
indicates the carbon in the ribose ring. The purine or pyrimidine rings
(see Bases, below) are numbered without primes in order to distinguish
them.
Nucleic acids: structure and function 7
5
HOCH2 O OH
4 C C 1
H H
H H
C C
3 2
OH OH
Bases
The nucleotide bases found in nucleic acids are related either to the
purine ring system or to the pyrimidine ring system.
N
N N
N N N
H
Purine Pyrimidine
In DNA we find principally four different bases: adenine (A),

guanine (G), cytosine (C) and thymine (T). The first two are derived
from purine whereas the remaining two are derived from pyrimidine. In
RNA we find principally four different bases; adenine, guanine and
cytosine as in DNA. The fourth base in RNA, however, is not thymine
but instead the pyrimidine-derived base, uracil (U).
The chemical structures for each of the five bases are shown below.
NH2 O O
CH3
N HN HN
Pyrimidines
O N O N O N
H H H
Cytosine Uracil Thymine
NH2 O
C N C
N HN N
Purines
N N H2 N N N
H H
Adenine Guanine
Note: A-level students are not expected to recognize these structural

formulae. For further help in understanding the chemistry of these com-
pounds, refer to BASC Booklet 1, Essential Chemistry for Biochemistry.
In addition to these major bases there is also a large range of so-

called minor bases which occur less frequently than the others, e.g. 5-
methyl cytosine.
Inorganic phosphate
There are phosphate residues in nucleic acids and they are of the type
derived from phosphoric acid, the structure of which is shown below.
HO P OH
OH
Building nucleic acids from their building blocks

When any one of the bases is joined to either one of the two sugar mol-
ecules, we have a compound known as a nucleoside. If the sugar residue
is ribose then we have a ribonucleoside, whereas if it is deoxyribose then
we have a deoxyribonucleoside. The bond linking these structures is
known as a glycoside bond.
Addition of a phosphate group to the sugar residue of a nucleoside
molecule produces a different molecule called a nucleotide. Examples of
various nucleotides are shown below.
NH2 O
N HN
O O N O O N
HO P OH 2 C O HO P OH 2 C O
OH OH
H H
OH OH
H OH
H
Deoxycytidine 5-monophosphate Uridine 5-monophosphate
Nucleotides can be regarded as the building blocks for the larger

nucleic acid molecules, DNA and RNA.
Nucleoside di- and triphosphates

One or two additional phosphates can be added to the first phosphate
group of a nucleoside molecule (a nucleoside monophosphate, NMP) by
means of a pyrophosphate linkage. The molecules formed in this way
are called nucleoside diphosphates (NDPs) and nucleoside triphosphates
(NTPs). The most important base involved in these compounds is
adenine, forming the adenosine mono-, di- and triphosphate molecules
(AMP, ADP and ATP), which fulfil vital roles in many cellular processes
as you may know from your study of respiration and photosynthesis
[for further details see BASC Booklets 4 (Metabolism) and 6 (Photo-
synthesis)].
Base

OH OH OH
HO P O P O P O CH2 O
O O O H H
H H
OH OH
NMP
NDP
NTP
Nucleic acids
Nucleic acids are formed by the combination of nucleotide molecules
through sugar–phosphate bonds known as phosphodiester linkages.
Because a nucleic acid is a polymer of many nucleotide molecules, DNA
and RNA molecules are called polynucleotides.
5 end
O
O P O NH2
O N N
5 CH
2 O N N
Adenine (A)
4
H H
H H
3 2
O H
3–5
O P O O
phosphodiester
linkage O N
NH Guanine (G)
5CH
2 O N N NH2
4
H H
H H
3 2
O H
3–5
O P O O
phosphodiester
linkage O H3C NH
Thymine (T)
5 CH2 N
O O
4 H H
H H
3 2
O H
3–5 O O
P NH2
phosphodiester
linkage O
N
Cytosine (C)
5 CH2
O N O
4 H H
H H
3 2
OH H
3 end
The structure of a polynucleotide is shown diagrammatically above.

In common with the formation of other biological polymers, e.g. starch
and proteins, water molecules are produced by condensation reactions
and energy from ATP molecules, produced in cellular respiration, is
used.
Sugar
A T
C G
Phosphate
group
G C
Phosphodiester
bond
T A
From this figure it can be seen that the phosphodiester bond is

formed between the 5carbon of one sugar molecule and the 3 carbon of
the next. The double-stranded nature of DNA is shown schematically
above.
Since it would be very time consuming to have to write out such a
structure every time it was needed, abbreviated forms have been
introduced. These are essentially of three types:
ApGpCpGpUp 5AGCGU3
If the ‘P’ is on the left of a base then it is attached to the 5-carbon

(five); if it is on the right then it is attached to the 3-carbon (three).
DNA isolation, base composition and structure

Isolation
In order to study the chemistry of DNA it must be isolated and purified
from the nucleus of a cell. In the isolation of DNA from cell samples, the
major contaminant is histone protein which is closely associated with
DNA to form visible chromatin threads in the nucleus. To remove this
contaminant the cell is first deproteinized by treatment with phenol and
the DNA is precipitated using ice-cold ethanol. A more detailed account
of the isolation of DNA is given in one of the practical schedules later
(see Chapter 8) and in BASC Booklet 7, Recombinant DNA Technology.
Once isolated, DNA can be broken down or degraded by either: (i)
treatment with perchloric acid at 100C, which breaks down the DNA
to its constituent bases; or (ii) treatment with enzymes (DNase, phos-
phodiesterase, etc.) which break down the DNA to its constituent
nucleotides.
The mixture of either of these products can be separated by chroma-
tography or electrophoresis and the amount of each of the constituent
bases can be measured.
Composition
Using the techniques outlined above it was noted by Chargaff and co-
workers in the late 1940s that:
(i) the base composition of an organism’s DNA is characteristic of that
organism;
(ii) different cells or tissues of the same organism have identical base
composition;
(iii) closely related organisms exhibit similar base compositions (this
property is used in biology as a basis for chemical taxonomy)
(iv) the majority of DNA molecules exhibit certain chemical regularities
that are defined as Chargaff’s base pairing rules (base equivalence),
namely the amount of A equals the amount of T and the amount of G
equals the amount of C, as can be seen (within the bounds of experi-
mental error) from the data shown in Table 2.
In considering the data shown in Table 2, in terms of base equiv-
alence it is necessary to combine the values for cytosine and 5-methyl
cytosine where these apply. The only exception to base equivalence is the
DNA from the virus X174. Can you think of an explanation? (See the
Structure section in this chapter for the solution.)
Table 2.The percentage composition of bases in the DNA from a

variety of organisms
Source of DNA Adenine Guanine Cytosine Thymine 5-Methyl cytosine
Cattle sperm 28.7 22.2 20.7 27.2 1.3
Rat bone marrow 28.6 21.4 20.4 28.4 1.1
Sea urchin 32.8 17.7 17.3 32.1 1.1
Wheat germ 27.3 22.7 16.8 27.1 6.0
Yeast 31.3 18.7 18.1 31.9 –
Human sperm 30.9 19.9 19.8 29.4 –
Escherichia coli 26.0 24.9 23.9 25.2 –
X174 Phage virus 24.3 24.5 18.2 32.3 –
Structure
In 1947 Astbury studied DNA using the technique of X-ray diffraction,
shown schematically below.
Diffracted
beams
X-ray
source
DNA
crystal
Photographic
film
When the beam of X-rays collides with an electron-dense region in

the DNA, the beam is diffracted. From the pattern of the diffracted
beam it is possible to determine the arrangement of atoms in the DNA.
In this way, Astbury was able to deduce that there was a regular feature
occurring within the DNA molecule every 3.34 Å. Such a regular feature
is referred to as a crystallographic repeat or identity period.
Later work by Franklin, Goslin, Wilkins and co-workers (1953)

demonstrated that there were two forms of DNA, a crystalline form
known as the A form and a paracrystalline form known as the B form.
Based on the X-ray diffraction work and Chargaff’s base equiv-
alence rules, Watson and Crick in 1953 deduced the structure of DNA as
a double helix. This comprised two strands of sugar–phosphate
backbone with the bases positioned in between, with adenine (A) on one
strand being hydrogen (or H-) bonded to a thymine (T) on the other,
and a guanine (G) on one strand being H-bonded to a cytosine (C) on
the other. The H-bonding arrangement of these base pairs is shown
below.
CH3
O H-bond
H H
N
N N
N H
N Sugar
O
N N
Sugar A T
H
N
H
O
N N
N H
N Sugar
O
H
N N N
Sugar H
G C
A single-ringed pyrimidine base opposite a double-ringed purine

base would ensure equal distance between the two polynucleotide
strands but why A–T and G–C specifically? The answer lies in the
number of H-bonds that can be formed between the bases as shown (see
also BASC Booklet 7, Recombinant DNA Technology).
Molecular impostor that cannot form hydrogen bonds

In a recent study a synthetic chemical which resembled thymine but which had a
benzene ring instead of the pyrimidine ring and fluorine atoms in place of the
oxygen and nitrogen atoms was used in an assay with DNA polymerase. Much to
the researchers’ surprise, a DNA helix was produced thus raising doubts on the
role of hydrogen bonds in the DNA structure. A further study showed that mol-
ecular mimics which have the wrong shape distort the helix and that this may rep-
resent the key feature of the structural stability.
New Scientist (22 February 1997)
Because the two polynucleotide strands have ‘direction’, two con-

figurations are possible, one in which both strands run in the same
direction, which is known as a parallel arrangement, and one in which
the strands run in the opposite direction, which is known as an
antiparallel arrangement. It has been shown that the DNA duplexes
found in nature have their chains in an antiparallel arrangement. This has
a profound significance when we come to consider the biological
function of the molecules (see DNA replication section).
In coiling the backbone into a helical configuration, two arrange-
ments in space are possible, one a right-handed helix, the other a left-
handed helix. The difference between these two arrangements can be
easily demonstrated using two pipe cleaners. It has been shown that the
double helix of DNA found in nature is in the right-handed configu-
ration.
Left-handed Right-handed
Subsequent studies using space-filling models showed that there

were two grooves in the DNA molecule, one shallow (approx. 12 Å)
and one deep (approx. 22 Å). This feature was found to be important in
relation to the binding of certain antibiotics, polymerase enzymes, etc.
The principal features of the structure of DNA are summarized in the
schematic drawing shown below.
Sugar–phosphate
backbone
Shallow groove Deep groove
3
3 5
Base Hydrogen
5
bonds
1 helical turn
3.4 nm
Earlier in this chapter it was observed that the DNA isolated from
the virus X174 did not exhibit base equivalence. The reason for this is
that the DNA of this virus is single-stranded and not the normal duplex
form. This has a significance for its mode of replication.
Triple helices are also possible

Triple helical forms of DNA are now known to exist in vivo and these would
appear to have a key function in certain biological processes, in controlling gene
expression and as tools in genome mapping strategies. Such molecules are now
being actively investigated.
Triple-helical nucleic acids (V.N. Soyfer, 1996, ISBN 0-387-94495-8)
DNA as the logic for new breed of computers

The notion of organic computers has been with us for some time now, but
recently the use of short DNA fragments to simulate the logic AND and OR
gates of a computer has been investigated.The claim is that this may now help to
produce a new form of computer that would significantly out-perform those cur-
rently based on silicon.
New Scientist (8 February 1997)
Breast tissue traps carcinogens

From recent research work it would appear that the fatty tissue that constitutes
80% of women’s breasts is capable of absorbing fat-soluble organic molecules,
some of which are carcinogenic, causing DNA damage and mutation. It would
appear that certain foodstuffs may be the source of these carcinogens and as such
it might be impossible or difficult to avoid ingesting these.
New Scientist (7 December 1996)
Table 3. DNA structure and function

Structural feature Function
Strong, covalently bonded Preserves the base sequence of genetic
sugar–phosphate backbone information during the lifetime of the cell
and allows shortening of the DNA during
chromosome formation in cell division
Complementary purine–pyrimidine Keeps an equal distance between the two
base pairing polynucleotide strands, increasing the stability
of the double helix
Numerous but weak H-bonds Enhance stability of the helix but are easily
between complementary bases broken by enzymes to allow DNA replication
and transcription
Large, insoluble molecule Restricts DNA to the nucleus, protecting it
(molecular mass approx. 100000 units) from biochemical damage, thus preserving
the genetic code
RNA isolation, base composition and structure

Isolation
The isolation procedure is very similar to that for DNA isolation
although it is essential to include an RNase inhibitor to prevent degra-
dation of the RNA. Unlike DNA, which exists as a more or less homo-
geneous molecule for any one cell, RNA exists as a family of molecules,
each member of which has a distinctive structure and function (see later
sections in this chapter). Because of this wide variety of RNA species it
is necessary to separate further the initial RNA pool into its constituent
molecules. The methods employed include:
• density-gradient centrifugation;
• ion-exchange chromatography;
• gel filtration;
• electrophoresis.
Base composition
Purified RNA molecules can be degraded by chemical means (alkali) or
by enzymes (RNase) and the base composition determined in a manner
similar to that described for DNA (see section on DNA isolation in this
chapter). One major difference between DNA and RNA is that in RNA
there are a fairly large number of minor bases. Also, in the majority of
cases there is no base equivalence, signifying that RNA molecules are
usually single-stranded.
Structure
There are three major forms of RNA: ribosomal RNA (rRNA),
transfer RNA (tRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) and these exist in
all the major life forms, together with other distinct RNA molecules
which are not universal. rRNA accounts for about 80% of the total
cellular RNA and is associated with protein to form the cytoplasmic par-
ticles known as ribosomes. As shown below the ribosome itself can be
considered as two subunits, a large and a small, both of which are
RNA–protein associations with about 65% RNA: 35% protein. The
RNA has high molecular mass and is metabolically stable.
30 S subunit
50 S subunit
Front view Side view
Transfer RNA is the next most abundant species and accounts for
about 15% of the total RNA. These molecules are of much lower mol-
ecular mass than the rRNA and are also referred to as 4S RNA. As we
shall see later, these molecules function as adaptors for amino acids in
the course of protein synthesis and many different tRNAs exist, each
being specific for one amino acid. The tRNA molecule is single-stranded
but the chain folds back on itself in a very distinctive way (see diagram
below) such that about 50–60% of the structure is base-paired.
Loop 3
5
3
Loop 1
Anticodon
Loop 2
Most of the remainder of the cell RNA (less than 5%) is accounted
for by mRNA which, in eukaryotes, originates in the nucleus and
migrates to the cytoplasm during protein synthesis (see Chapters 5 and
6). It is of high molecular mass and is metabolically very labile, i.e. easily
broken down. As we shall see in a later section (see Chapters 5 and 6),
mRNA is centrally involved in the transfer and expression of the genetic
information and is responsible for the sequence of amino acids in each of
the different proteins in the cell. Because the size of the messenger is
variable, no S-value is associated with it.
Note: the S-values refer to how fast a particular molecule sediments in an

ultracentrifuge and the S refers to Svedberg units, the unit of mea-
surement in such studies. Clearly this relates both to the mass and shape
of a molecule in that an object of greater mass will move faster than one
with lower mass but the same shape, and one with a small volume will
move faster than one with a similar mass but larger volume (i.e. less
dense).
RNAs which act as enzymes

In the late 1980s it was shown that certain RNA molecules could act as enzymes,
capable of splicing out specific sequences of RNA either on itself or other RNA
strands.The name given to such molecules was ribozyme and this work earned
a Nobel Prize for one of the researchers (Tom Cech of the University of
Colorado).Two of these ribozymes are now being clinically tested as potential
treatment against HIV (see BASC Booklet 3, Enzymes and their Role in
Biotechnology, for further details).
New Scientist (7 December 1996)
A role for RNA in the treatment of debilitating disease

Specific RNA molecules are being selected from pools of randomly generated and
synthesized RNA as a means of treating the debilitating disease myasthenia gravis.
Sufferers of this disease produce auto-antibodies which block the normal signals
from nerves to muscles by blocking the acetylcholine receptor. It has been shown
that specific RNA molecules are able to bind to the antibodies, so interfering with
their binding to the receptors and hence restoring the normal nerve-to-muscle
signals (see BASC Booklets 5, Immunology, and 9, The Biochemical Basis of Disease
for further information).
Table 4. Differences between DNA and RNA structure and properties

DNA RNA
Deoxyribose sugar Ribose sugar
Thymine base Uracil base
Double-stranded helix Single-stranded molecule
Very large molecular mass Much smaller molecular mass
Insoluble Soluble
3
DNA replication
Learning objectives
• explain the biological significance of DNA replication;
• explain the suitability of DNA structure for replication;
• outline the main features of semi-conservative replication of DNA;
• outline the Meselson and Stahl experiment; and
• name the major enzymes involved in replication.
Introduction
In the previous chapter it was shown how we knew that the genetic
information of a cell is contained in the DNA of that cell. For the cell to
divide and produce daughter cells in mitosis and meiosis it is essential
that the DNA is copied (replicated) and an identical copy is passed to the
daughter cell. DNA is replicated during interphase of both mitosis and
meiosis.
The basic results on which our present day assumptions of the
mechanism of DNA replication are built are:
(i) the evidence that the genetic information was contained within the
nucleic acids;
(ii) the fact that most DNA consists of two strands of polynucleotide
chains, each of which consists of deoxyribonucleotide residues joined by
3–5 phosphodiester bonds; and
(iii) the fact that H-bonds occur between the bases in the two strands,
adenine in one strand is always bonded to thymine in the other and
likewise cytosine with guanine.
21
22 DNA replication
Each of these we have already considered, and thus, if we are given

the sequence of bases in one strand, we could immediately write down
the sequence of bases in the complementary strand.
Basically, there are five theoretically possible modes of replication.
Conservative
By this mechanism one daughter cell receives the original DNA
molecule whilst the other receives a completely new copy.
Semi-conservative
Here the original DNA molecule is split into two strands and each
strand acts as a template on which a new strand is synthesized.
Non-conservative
Here the original DNA is destroyed completely during the course of
synthesis of two new identical DNA molecules.
Dispersive
Here the original DNA molecule is dispersed or distributed into all
nascent chains.
End-to-end
Here the original DNA molecule is present as half of one chain and the
other half of the complementary chain for both nascent molecules.
Note: A-level students are only expected to consider evidence for or

against the first two possible modes of replication outlined above.
The five possible modes of replication are shown schematically in the

figure which follows.
In fact it has been proved that DNA replicates semi-conservatively,
first in E. coli, and subsequently in all higher organisms as well: it has
been shown to be the case for eukaryotic cells, including human cells, in
Parent DNA Parent DNA

New DNA

Conservative Semi-conservative Non-conservative

Dispersive End-to-end
tissue culture. The original experiment which proved this mechanism

was carried out by Meselson and Stahl in 1958.
The Meselson and Stahl experiment

(a) Meselson and Stahl grew E. coli in a medium containing 15NH4Cl (i.e.
15N is the heavy isotope of nitrogen). The result of this was that 15N was
incorporated into newly synthesized DNA (as well as other nitrogen-

containing compounds).
(b) They allowed the cells to grow for many generations in the
15 NH Cl so that all the DNA was ‘heavy’ — that is, had a greater
4
density than normal. This ‘heavy’ DNA could be distinguished from the
normal DNA by centrifugation in a caesium chloride (CsCl) density
gradient. Note that 15N is not a radioactive isotope.
(c) They then transferred the cells into a medium with normal
14NH Cl and took samples at various definite time intervals as the cells
4
multiplied, and extracted the DNA that remained as double-stranded
helices.
24 DNA replication
The various samples were then run independently on CsCl gradients

to measure the densities of DNA present. The results of this experiment
were as follows:
Density of molecules
after centrifugation
Light
Intermediate
Heavy
Generation 0 1 2 3 4 etc
Time interval
0 20 40 60 80
following transfer (minutes)
Thus the DNA that was extracted from the culture one generation
after the transfer from 15N to 14N medium (i.e. after 20 minutes) had a
hybrid or intermediate density, exactly half-way between that of DNA
containing only 15N and that containing only 14N; each molecule must
therefore have contained one old and one new strand.
DNA extracted from the culture after another generation (i.e. after
40 minutes) was composed of equal amounts of this hybrid DNA and of
‘light’ DNA. As time went on, more and more ‘light’ DNA accu-
mulated.
The results of the Meselson and Stahl experiment are not consistent
with non-conservative (only 14N-DNA bands would be expected from
20 minutes onwards) or conservative (one band of 14N-DNA and one of
15N-DNA at 20 minutes would be expected) modes of replication.
Thus far, however, the data are consistent with the three remaining
modes of replication. To distinguish between these, and hence determine
the mode of replication, Meselson and Stahl carried out an additional
experiment in which they took the DNA isolated at 20 minutes after

transfer to 14 N-medium, strand separated this and ran the resultant
sample on a CsCl gradient. For dispersive or end-to-end models we
would predict a single hybrid band, whereas for semi-conservative repli-
cation we would expect two bands, one light, one heavy. The latter was
found to be the case and hence DNA replication is a semi-conservative
process.
Mechanism of replication
Watson and Crick, in their 1953 paper in which they proposed the
double-helical structure for DNA, conclude as follows: “It has not
escaped our notice that the specific pairing we have postulated imme-
diately suggests a possible copying mechanism for the genetic material”.
The implication was that, owing to the strict complementary nature of
the strands, the base sequence of one strand would determine the base
sequence of the other. It could be imagined therefore that replication
could follow a scheme as shown below.
3 3
5
3
5
5 5 3
5 5 3
5 3
3 5 3
26 DNA replication
The problem, however, with this scheme is that the energy required
for the first step, namely strand separation, would be far too high to be
plausible. This led to the suggestion that unfolding took place a little at a
time, so forming a replication fork as shown.
Here, as elsewhere in biochemical reactions, an enzyme is used as a

catalyst. Enzymes lower the energy needed to activate a reaction, making
it more likely to occur. For E. coli this is an enzyme called DNA poly-
merase III. The simplest scheme would be for polymerase molecules to
attach themselves to the ends of the single-stranded DNA template and
to synthesize a complimentary strand of each.
The first problem encountered with this proposal arose because the
polymerase enzyme was found to operate in one direction only, that is it
synthesized the nascent DNA strand in the direction 5→3. This meant
that one of the parent strands (called the leading strand) could be copied
in a continuous fashion, whereas the other (called the lagging strand)
could only be copied in a discontinuous way as a series of short lengths
(approx. 1 000 bases long) of DNA, each of which is called an Okazaki
fragment (see Figure below). It was also discovered early on that the
DNA polymerase enzyme could not actually synthesize a DNA
molecule from individual DNA nucleotides but instead required a short
stretch of existing DNA helix duplex on which to build. In this sense it is
truly a DNA-dependent DNA polymerase III.
3
DNA
5 polymerase III
RNA Helix-destabilizing protein
primer 3
5
3
5 DNA gyrase
3
DNA helicase
5
The full details of the process of replication are beyond the scope of
the A-level syllabus but it may be of interest to know the roles of some
of the major enzymes/proteins involved in the process. The details
required for A-level are given in bold in Table 5.
Table 5. Enzymes involved in DNA replication

Enzyme Function
DNA polymerase III The ‘replicase’ enzyme
DNA polymerase I A repair enzyme involved in removing errors and filling

in gaps in the sequence
DNA ligase Seals ‘nicks’ in the sugar-phosphate backbone
RNA polymerase Make RNA primers to get the DNA polymerase III started
or RNA primase
RNase H Removes the RNA primers once they have completed

their function
DNA helicase and Unwind the DNA duplex

DNA gyrase
Helix-destabilizing protein Prevents the unwound DNA from immediately rewinding
Exposure to ionizing radiation and carcinogenic chemicals, e.g.

phenols in cigarette tar, probably ‘overwhelm’ DNA-repair enzymes
resulting in gene mutation and cancerous cells.
4
The genetic code
Learning objectives
• state that the unit of information is the codon — a sequence of three
bases (on DNA and mRNA) representing one amino acid;
• state that since there are four bases there are 64 possible triplet
codons;
• state that all codons have been assigned to amino acids or start/stop
signals;
• give details of the characteristics of the genetic code; and
• predict the amino acid sequence of a protein from an mRNA or
DNA base sequence (with the aid of a copy of the genetic code).
Introduction
The middle to late 1950s was a particularly active and productive phase
with respect to the research to aid our understanding of the process of
gene expression. At about this time Crick formulated the central dogma
which, in the earliest forms, was expressed as:
Replication DNA RNA Protein

Transcription Translation
Thus far, we have seen that the genetic information which dictates a
cell’s phenotype is stored in the DNA and this can be passed to progeny
29
30 The genetic code
cells via the process of replication. We will now consider how this stored
information is expressed to yield the specific phenotype.
A key feature in this respect is the concept of a gene which has been
defined “operationally as a region of the genome that segregates as a
single unit during meiosis and gives rise to a definable phenotypic trait
such as a red or white eye in Drosophila or a round or wrinkled seed in
peas”.
The genome is the sum of all DNA nucleotide/base sequences in an
individual organism or species.
Later work demonstrated that a gene or gene region corresponds to
a length of DNA on the genome that contains the information for the
synthesis of a single protein. This led to the useful concept that one gene
corresponds to one protein.
However, as a great many biologically active proteins comprise
more than one polypeptide chain, it is more correct to consider this as
‘one gene — one polypeptide chain’.
Although serving as a useful memory aid, even this statement is not
entirely correct since some genes code for single structural RNA mol-
ecules, such as mRNA and tRNA, rather than polypeptide chains and,
also, more recent studies have revealed additional complexities in terms
of the structural organization of the genetic information. For the
purposes of the present section, however, it is acceptable to treat the gene
in terms of the ‘one gene — one polypeptide chain’ hypothesis.
Building a human chromosome

The first synthetic chromosome, that of yeast, was built about a decade ago.To
extend this to the synthesis of a human chromosome required detailed consid-
eration of further structural complexities.Thus, in addition to the structural genes
there is a need for telomeres, long repeating DNA sequences which protect the
ends of the chromosome and prevent them binding together, and centromeres,
which provide the scaffolding that enables duplicate chromosomes to split during
cell division. Using this approach, totally artificial chromosomes have been
produced and it is hoped that these may help in gene therapy in the future.
New Scientist (5 April 1997)
To transfer the genetic information from DNA to a sequence of

amino acids that constitutes a polypeptide chain involves two discrete
but consecutive processes:
(i) transcription, in which an mRNA strand of nucleotides is syn-
thesized from one of the strands of the DNA in the gene region; and
(ii) translation, in which the genetic information coded as a sequence of
bases in mRNA is translated or converted into a sequence of amino acids
to form a discrete polypeptide chain.
The gene regions specific to protein synthesis collectively only rep-
resent a small part of the genome for many cells. The remaining regions
are accounted for as non-coding/‘nonsense’ sequences, multiple repeat
sequences, control regions and regions specifying the synthesis of func-
tional RNA molecules such as tRNA and rRNA. A summary of these
features is shown below.
Control region for gene A Control region for genes B1 and B2 Multiple copies of gene C
gene A gene B1 gene B2
Transcription
mRNA mRNA mRNA tRNA
Translation
Non-coding
Protein A Protein B (dimer) sequences
How many bases code for an amino acid?

In the next section we shall consider details of the mechanism by which
the information coded in the mRNA is used to synthesize proteins of a
specific sequence. An important concept underpinning this topic is the
nature of the code used to translate the sequence of bases in the mRNA
molecule into a sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain. This
code is referred to as the genetic code and in the present section we shall
consider the general properties of the code.
For mRNA to control the synthesis of specific proteins we must ask
how a molecule made up from only four different kinds of base can
determine the order of about 20 different amino acids. Obviously there
cannot be a 1:1 correspondence between the RNA bases and the amino
32 The genetic code
acids. Similarly there cannot be a 2:1 correspondence, since this only

allows for 16 different arrangements (4 4). If, however, there are three
bases coding for each amino acid, the number of possible triplets is 64
(4 4 4), which would be enough combinations to code for each
amino acid with plenty to spare. Clear-cut evidence has been produced
that the triplet theory is correct and we will now look at the evidence
for such a view. The name given to the sequence of three nucleotides is a
codon.
Evidence for a triplet code

The evidence for a triplet code comes from genetic studies by Crick and
co-workers using mutations caused by acridine orange or proflavine in
fruit flies. The mode of action of these compounds is not fully
understood but the net effect is to cause the insertion of an additional
base into a DNA strand or to delete one of the bases in a DNA strand,
possibly during DNA replication.
It is easier to explain the results of these studies by considering a
simple model and studying its behaviour. If we assume a DNA sequence
to be a series of triplet codes of bases, or codons, for five amino acids:
– CAT – CAT – CAT – CAT – CAT –
The insertion of a base, T:

– CAT – TCA – TCA – TCA – TCA –
Or deletion of a base, C, from the original sequence:

– CAT – ATC – ATC – ATC – ATC –
The result of a single mutation (either insertion or deletion) is to

cause the genetic message/amino acid sequence everywhere to the right
of the mutation to be misread.
The result would almost certainly be a defective protein or enzyme,
especially if the amino acid sequence is in or near the active site of an
enzyme.
Also in these studies it was shown that if we insert an extra base,
then delete another base a little further on in the sequence, the net result
is an almost identical product (demonstrate this for yourself). The
important point here is that the insertion and deletion are relatively close
together (why?). There are all sorts of other ways of combining

mutation, but the net results provide very strong evidence in favour of a
triplet code. These results also provide additional data concerning the
mode of translating the code.
Deciphering the code

The problem of deciphering the code, that is assigning amino acids to
each of the codons, has been approached using a variety of techniques,
the most productive being the ribosome-binding technique devised by
Leder and Nirenberg. This method, like many of the others, makes use
of synthetic mRNA, which in this case is only three bases long, i.e. a
single codon. Clearly the advantage of using an mRNA of known
sequence is that it makes data interpretation a relatively straightforward
process.
The ribosome-binding technique involved mixing a sample of pure
synthetic codon with ribosomes and then, in turn, each of the different
amino acids (which had been radioactively labelled), each linked to their
corresponding tRNA. Each mixture was filtered through a Millipore
filter which caused the ribosome and any bound components to be
retained on the filter. The filter could then be tested for radioactivity. If
we consider as an example the triplet UUG, then it was found that the
sample which contained radioactive serine did not bind to the filter, and
likewise for the amino acids tryptophan, glycine, methionine, tyrosine,
etc. In fact, the only sample which retained radioactivity on the filter
occurred when leucine was used (see diagram below) and therefore it can
be concluded that the codon UUG codes for leucine (Leu).
tRNA molecule Amino acid
Leu* Leu*
AAC AAC
UUG Anti-codon UUG
Synthetic
mRNA codon Ribosome
34 The genetic code
This process is then repeated exactly as above for a different triplet

code. Using this simple yet highly efficient technique (with some minor
modifications) it was possible to assign 61 of the 64 possible triplets
unambiguously to specific amino acids, and the accepted code is as
shown here.
SECOND LETTER
U C A G
} } }
}
UUU Phe
UCU UAU UGU U
Tyr Cys
UUC UCC UAC UGC C
U Ser
UUA
} UCA UAA UGA A
OCHRE ?
Leu
UUG UCG UAG AMBER UGG Trp G
} } }
}
CUU CCU CAU CGU U
His
CUC CCC CAC CGC C
C Leu Pro Arg
THIRD LETTER
FIRST LETTER
CUA
CUG
CCA
CCG
CAA
CAG } Gln
CGA
CGG
A
G
} } } }
AUU ACU AAU AGU U
Asn Ser
AUC Ile ACC AAC AGC C
A Thr
AUA
AUG Met
ACA
ACG
AAA
AAG } Lys
AGA
AGG } Arg
A
G
} } }
}
GUU GCU GAU GGU U
Asp
GUC GCC GAC GGC C
G Val Ala Gly
GUA
GUG
GCA
GCG
GAA
GAG } Glu
GGA
GGG
A
G
Nonsense codons
As has just been seen, 61 of the 64 triplets have been assigned to par-
ticular amino acids — what then is the function of the remaining three,
UAA, UAG and UGA? These were initially labelled as the nonsense
codons but it has since been shown that they have an important function
in protein biosynthesis as chain-terminating signals. It is these codons
which inform the protein-synthesizing system that the nascent poly-
peptide chain has been completely synthesized and to thus allow it to be
released from the ribosome.
From the experiments just described, plus other related studies, the
general features of the code that are important are as follows:
• the code is sequential (i.e. it is read in strict sequence from one end
to the other); and
• the code is degenerate.
A most important feature is that many amino acids are coded by
more than one triplet (all except methionine and tryptophan). Indeed it
seems that for most amino acids only the first two bases of the codon
need be specified. A code of this type is termed degenerate. It follows
from this that more than one kind of tRNA may code for the same
amino acid. This is in fact known to be the case.
• The code is universal or ubiquitous.
At present, as a result of experimental data, it is generally accepted
that the code is universal, e.g. Lipmann and others demonstrated using
yeast, Micrococcal or E. coli tRNA, rabbit reticulocyte ribosomes and
mRNA for haemoglobin that a perfectly normal protein, indistin-
guishable from wild-type, could be formed. More recently, however,
some exceptions to this generalization have been identified in mito-
chondria, leukaemic cells and in some ciliates, and these observations are
presently posing a challenge for evolutionary theorists.
5
Transcription
Learning objectives
• explain the meaning of the term transcription;
• explain the role of mRNA;
• explain the relationship of mRNA to the DNA template;
• outline the necessity of moving the genetic information required to
synthesize proteins from the nucleus to the cytoplasm;
• state that the genetic information is carried to the cytoplasm by an
mRNA strand which is complementary to the DNA template
strand;
• state that only a relatively short segment of DNA coding for a
specific polypeptide is transcribed as a unit from the template strand
of DNA;
• state that mRNA is synthesized by RNA polymerase using ribo-
nucleoside triphosphates as substrates and DNA as a template; and
• outline with the aid of simple labelled diagrams the process of trans-
cription.
Introduction
Transcription involves the synthesis of an mRNA molecule comple-
mentary to a gene region/specific nucleotide sequence of DNA. This
being the case, we require the basic building blocks for RNA, namely
free RNA nucleotides and ATP molecules for energy together with a
DNA molecule, part of which will be copied, the latter being called a
DNA template.
37
38 Transcription
For such a process to be undertaken at an appropriate and suffi-

ciently fast rate for the cell requires the help of an enzyme, which in this
case is called DNA-dependent RNA polymerase or just RNA poly-
merase. This enzyme cannot synthesize an mRNA strand from free
RNA nucleotides unless a DNA molecule is present.
It is worth remembering that enzymes have three key advantages.
(i) They act as biological catalysts to speed up biochemical reactions by
lowering the energy needed to activate a reaction. This means a reaction
is far more likely to proceed under the conditions found in cells, e.g.
moderate temperature and low pressures.
(ii) They usually have high specificity in that one very specific reaction
(or a few related reactions) is catalysed because of the specific three-
dimensional shape of the active site.
(iii) Their activity can be controlled, e.g. by their products and other
compounds.
Mechanism of transcription
The enzyme RNA polymerase, like DNA polymerase, operates in the
direction 5→3, that being the direction in which the mRNA is syn-
thesized. Unlike DNA polymerase it only transcribes one strand of
DNA, i.e. ‘genes’ are located on a single DNA template strand.
To understand the mechanism of this process it is clearly of interest
to know the way in which the start of each gene is correctly recognized.
The picture which emerged from a study of the DNA sequences near the
start of specific gene regions was that of AT-rich sequences of bases.
These sequences were situated a few bases upstream from the starting
point of the mRNA transcript, as shown here.
Specific gene Base sequence near the start of specific gene region
fd CTGACTATAATAGACAGGGTAAAGACCTG
T7 A2 TGCAGTAAGATACAAATCCGTAGGTAACA
Lac-UV-5 GCTCGTATAATGGTTACAAATAAAGCAAT
SV40 CAGCTTATAATGGTTACAAATAAAGCAAT
E. coli Tyr tRNA TTTGATATGATGCGCCCCGCTTCCCGATA

The AT base pair has two H-bonds compared with three for the GC
base pair (see Chapter 2); and consequently a region rich in AT pairs
tends to melt or strand separate more readily, so forming a bubble. The
advantages of forming this bubble are that (i) it helps the RNA poly-
merase to identify the start of the gene region and (ii) it allows the RNA
polymerase to select more easily the template or coding strand and so
allow asymmetric synthesis to take place. In fact it is the non-TATA
strand (i.e. the 3→5 strand) that acts as the template strand in tran-
scription.
Once correct initiation has been achieved the RNA polymerase
moves along the template strand synthesizing an mRNA from RNA
nucleotides. The base on each successive RNA nucleotide is comple-
mentary to the DNA template strand.
The mechanisms for termination of transcription vary from gene to
gene. For some genes an additional protein called rho () identifies the
termination site and causes the RNA polymerase to stop synthesis.
Other mechanisms, as shown schematically below, include (i) an AT-rich
region flanked on either side by a GC-rich region or (ii) a palindromic
region. In both these cases a bubble structure is formed which can be
considered to act as a physical barrier, so causing the RNA polymerase
to terminate synthesis as shown.
RNA polymerase
TATTA TATTA
AA AA
AATATTA
(i) C–G rich C–G rich
TTATAAT TT
A T A AT
TT
A T A AT
growing mRNA
mRNA
A A
T A T A
A T A T
G C G C
CGATAATCG C G C G
(ii)
GCTATTAGC G C G C
C G C G
T A T A
A T A T
growing mRNA T T
mRNA
Each mRNA strand then exits the nucleus through pores in the
nuclear membrane and attaches to ribosomes in the cell cytoplasm.
40 Transcription
The mechanism of transcription is summarized schematically below.
Initiation site Termination sequence

A
AT Gene
T
Sense strand
RNA polymerase
A
AT
T
DNA unzipped by
RNA polymerase Termination sequence
A
AT
T
5
Growing mRNA transcript
Termination sequence
A
AT
T
A
AT
T
mRNA
6
Translation
Learning objectives
• state that ribosomes are responsible for the translation of the genetic
information encoded as a sequence of bases in the mRNA strand
into a specific sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain;
• outline the functions of ribosomes, mRNA, tRNA and amino acids
in translation; and
• outline the processes involved in translation using the terms: codon,
anticodon, peptide-bond formation and termination, using simple
diagrams.
Introduction
It can be shown that no specific affinity/binding occurs between amino
acids and the mRNA, to neither the sugar–phosphate backbone nor the
bases (see the Figure below). This being the case, we cannot have a direct
‘read-off’ in translation as we did in replication and transcription.
mRNA mRNA
Binds to mRNA
No reaction tRNA
Binds to amino acid
Amino acid
The solution to this problem is to have an indirect association

achieved by coupling the specific amino acid to the mRNA via an
‘adaptor molecule’, which turned out to be tRNA.
41
42 Translation
The tRNA molecules must be activated before they can attach to a

specific amino acid and perform their role in translation of the genetic
code.
Activation of tRNA
To bind the amino acid to the tRNA molecule requires ATP energy and
a specific enzyme called an amino acyl-tRNA synthetase. The reaction
occurs in two stages: in the first the amino acid is activated and in the
second the activated amino acid is transferred to its specific tRNA as
shown schematically below.
Amino acid Enzyme (amino acyl-

tRNA synthetase)
A
ATP
Pyrophosphate
Phosphate
A
A
C
C
tRNA
A
AMP
A
C
C
A
C
C
Amino acyl-tRNA
(an “activated”
amino acid)
The amino acyl-tRNA synthetase enzyme, apart from catalysing the

reaction, also displays high specificity in that it will only bind a par-
ticular amino acid to its correct, specific tRNA molecule thus ensuring
high accuracy/fidelity in the translation event. The amino acids are
linked to the 3 end of the tRNA (all end with the sequence CCA-OH)
via their carboxyl group (COOH).
Initiation
Translation of the mRNA strand starts from the 5 end at a specific ini-
tiation site or triplet codon, AUG, which normally codes for the amino
acid methionine. This initiation site AUG codon is distinguished from
all other AUG sequences as it is preceded in the mRNA sequence by an
AGGA base sequence, known as the Shine–Dalgarno consensus
sequence, named after the discoverers.
This sequence is recognized by a UCCU complementary sequence
in the tRNA of the small ribosomal subunit and so causes the ribosome
to bind to the correct starting point on the mRNA as seen below.
5 AGGA AUG AUG AUG AUG 3
5 AGGA AUG AUG AUG AUG 3

UCCU
It was also shown that this unique AUG binds a special amino acid
(linked to its corresponding tRNA as described previously). This special
amino acid is a methionine residue in which the amino group has a
formyl group (CHO) bound to it and is called N-formylmethionine
(fMet) in prokaryotes. The advantage of this added complexity is that
this effectively blocks the amino group and inhibits it reacting, thereby
directing the polypeptide chain to be synthesized in the N-terminal→C-
terminal direction. Eukaryotes do not use the formyl group.
44 Translation
By such means an initiation complex is formed in which the

ribosome is bound to the correct site on the mRNA and the first amino
acid (linked to its corresponding tRNA) is in position.
Elongation
After this the next amino acid specified by the codon following the
AUG sequence (again an amino acyl-tRNA) is bought into position
alongside the first residue in order that these can be linked together via a
peptide bond, an example of a strong covalent bond. The energy
required for the formation of a peptide bond comes from the high-
energy bond between the tRNA molecule and its specific amino acid
produced by the breakdown of ATP molecules.
Amino acids
OH
fMet
aa2 aa2 fMet
Peptide
bond
“Spent” tRNA
tRNA
molecules
The condensation of (or peptide bond between) the two amino acids
is catalysed by an enzyme called peptidyl transferase, one of the con-
stituent proteins of the RNA–protein complex that makes up the large
ribosomal subunit. In this way, the fMet is transferred on to the other
amino acyl-tRNA and its tRNA (called a ‘spent’ tRNA) leaves the
complex. The ribosome moves along three bases by a process called
translocation and this allows the next amino acyl-tRNA to bind to its
codon on the mRNA. The individual amino acyl-tRNA molecules bind
to the correct codon sequences by virtue of each tRNA having a three
base sequence, known as the anticodon, which is complementary to the
codon sequence and so H-bonds to it. Because only a specific tRNA
molecule attaches to the mRNA codon the correct amino acid is placed
in the growing polypeptide sequence. The growing chain is transferred
to the incoming amino acyl-tRNA via a second peptide bond and, as
before, the ‘spent’ tRNA leaves the complex because of the relative
weakness of the H-bonds between the codon and anticodon bases.
Termination
The above process continues exactly as described until the ribosome
encounters one of the codons referred to earlier as the nonsense codons
(see Chapter 4). As those codons do not code for specific amino acids
this serves as the signal to terminate the process and consequently the
ribosome dissociates from the mRNA and the polypeptide chain is
hydrolysed from the tRNA to which it is currently bound.
Ribosome
subunits released
Ribosome mRNA
3 end
5 end
Start Stop
Growing polypeptide
Complete polypeptide
released
Once protein synthesis is under way, the formyl group is cleaved

from the methionine by an enzyme called deformylase and, for many
proteins, a number of amino acids are also removed from the N-terminal
end by peptidase enzymes. This type of processing is referred to as post-
translational modification. The polypeptide chain will now fold up
into the secondary and tertiary structure of the functional protein/
enzyme and is transported to its required location in the cell through the
rough endoplasmic reticulum membrane system.
46 Translation
Therefore, by the processes of transcription and translation the

large, permanent, insoluble DNA molecule, which is restricted to the
nucleus, can control the expression of its genetic code by producing a
protein/enzyme molecule which can now affect a biochemical process
throughout the cell.
Polysomes
In the living cell, each strand of mRNA usually carries several ribosomes
at any one time, each at a different stage in the formation of the protein
which is being synthesized. Such groups of ribosomes strung out on a
thread of mRNA are known as polyribosomes or polysomes, as shown
here in the electron micrograph.
260 000
The polysome mechanism protects the mRNA molecule, delaying

its breakdown, and greatly increases the efficiency of translation, i.e.
many protein molecules can be produced from a single mRNA strand,
thus saving the cell energy.
Polysomes are found both free in the cytoplasm and closely asso-
ciated with the outer face of the rough endoplasmic reticulum membrane
system.
Recreating an extinct bird

Groups of researchers in Japan and New Zealand are studying the genetic
makeup of the giant moa, a flightless bird which became extinct about 300 years
ago.These workers have isolated DNA from the femur of a giant moa and plan to
introduce these into chicken embryos.The area of particular interest is the
homeobox, which controls embryonic development by switching specific genes
on or off. It is hoped in this way to switch on common ancestor genes and to see
if they can reproduce some of the features of the extinct moa.
7
Assessment:
past examination questions
and outline solutions
As stated earlier, it is hoped that the inclusion of detailed learning
objectives within each section of these guidance notes will not only help
students to identify key topics in the syllabus but also help them to
gauge the level of expected outcome, and hence be of value in the formal
assessment of the material.
Many of the Examination Boards publish detailed analyses of the
exam-question performance and it may be worthwhile to read these
carefully and modify the guidance notes where appropriate to reflect the
varying emphasis placed on the different themes within this broad topic.
The following questions are actual A-level Biology examination
questions together with their solutions provided by the authors. Other
solutions and approaches may also be valid. Presented in this way they
might serve as useful source material in the review of each of the sections
at the end of formal lessons. Once again, we are grateful to the various
Examination Boards, especially the Northern Examinations and
Assessment Board, for allowing past examination questions to be used.
Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.
Question 1
The diagram shows the sequence of bases on one strand of a short length
of DNA. This sequence should be read from left to right.
CGACCCCAG
47
48 Past examination questions
(a) Give:
(i) the base sequence that will be produced as a result of trans-
cription of the complete length of DNA shown in the diagram;
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)
(ii) the three bases of the tRNA that will correspond to the
sequence of bases shown by the underlined bases on the diagram.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)
As a result of a mutation, the first base in the length of DNA shown in

the diagram is lost (deleted).
(b) (i) Use Table 6 to identify the first two amino acids for which
the mutated DNA codes;
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)
Table 6. DNA base sequences and the amino acids for which they
code
DNA base sequence Amino acid
ACC Tryptophan
CAG Valine
CCA Glycine
CCC Glycine
CGA Alanine
GAC Leucine
(ii) explain why mutations involving the deletion of a base may

have greater effects than those involving substitution of one
base for another.
.............................................................
.............................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)
Question 2
In an investigation of DNA replication, a species of bacterium was
grown for many generations in a medium containing the 15N isotope of
nitrogen, rather than its more common form, 14N.
DNA was isolated from the bacterial cells and separated into single
strands by mild chemical treatment. The density of this single-stranded
DNA was measured using density-gradient centrifugation. In this
technique, samples of different densities settle at different levels in the

tube. Some of the results obtained by using this technique are shown in
the Figure. All samples were treated in the same manner.
Tube A Tube B Tube C
DNA X
Sugar
solution
DNA from DNA from DNA from bacteria

bacteria bacteria grown originally on 15N,
grown on 14N grown on 15N but then transferred for
one generation to a medium
containing 14N
(a) Density-gradient centrifugation enables different types of DNA

to be distinguished. Explain how the use of the 15 N isotope in
this experiment makes this possible.
.............................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)
(b) Account for the results obtained in Tube C, explaining why no
DNA of intermediate density was observed at this stage.
.............................................................
.............................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (3)
(c) Bacteria like those that gave the result shown in Tube C of the
Figure were grown for a further generation on a medium con-
taining 14 N. DNA was isolated from these bacteria and treated
as in the first investigation.
Show, on the following Figure, the result expected with density-
gradient centrifugation. Also, indicate the relative amount of
each type of DNA you would expect to be present.
DNA from bacteria

grown originally on 15N,
but then transferred for
two generations to a
medium containing 14N
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)
Studies were carried out to determine the nitrogenous base composition

of DNA in this bacterium. This involved finding values for double-
stranded DNA as well as for each individual ( and ) DNA strand.
The Table below gives some of the results obtained.

Table 7. Base composition of DNA
Percentage of base
present in DNA sample Ratio of (AG) Ratio of (AT)
DNA sample A G C T to (CT) to (CG)
Double-stranded 30 20 20 … 1.00 1.5
Strand 28 26 … 32 1.17 …
Strand 32 … … … 0.85 …
(d) Enter the seven ‘missing’ values in the table. (4)

(e) What ratio of (AG) to (CT) would you expect in the band of
DNA marked as ‘X’ in Tube C in the first Figure? Explain your
answer.
.............................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)
Question 3
Albino mice are completely white because they cannot produce coat
pigment. They cannot produce this pigment because of a gene mutation
that affects the formation of an enzyme in the metabolic pathway that
produces the pigment. The enzyme produced by the mutant gene does
not function effectively.
(a) (i) Explain what is meant by gene mutation;

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)
(ii) explain how a gene mutation could result in a change in the
amino acid sequence in the enzyme produced by the coat-
pigment gene.
.............................................................
.............................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (4)
(b) Explain why mice that are heterozygous for this mutant gene
are never albinos.
.............................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)
Question 4
The diagram shows part of a DNA molecule.
Y guanine
thymine
Z
(a) How are the two strands of the DNA molecule held together?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)
(b) What do each of the following letters on the diagram represent?
W. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
X ...........................................................
Y ...........................................................
Z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (4)
Question 5
One technique used to produce human insulin by genetic engineering
involves inserting a gene for human insulin into the DNA of a bacterium.
(a) Name the enzyme that would be used to:

(i) cut the bacterial DNA;
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)
(ii) insert the DNA for human insulin into the cut bacterial DNA.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)
(b) There are 51 amino acids in insulin, made up of 16 amino acids
out of the 20 that are coded for by DNA. What is the minimum
number of different types of tRNA molecule necessary for the
synthesis of insulin? Explain your answer.
.............................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)
(c) The base sequence below is part of the DNA sequence that
codes for insulin.
CCATAGCAC
(i) Write down the corresponding mRNA sequence;
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)
(ii) A mutation occurred that replaced guanine in this DNA
sequence with a different base. Explain the possible effects of
this mutation on the structure of the insulin molecule.
.............................................................
.............................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (3)
Question 6
Scientists have shown that kidney beans are resistant to cowpea weevils
and adzuki bean weevils, two of the most serious pests of African and
Asian pulses (vegetables related to peas and beans). This is because the
beans produce a protein that inhibits one of the weevils’ digestive
enzymes. Weevils that eat the pulses soon starve to death. The
researchers have identified the gene that produces the inhibitor and
removed it from the kidney bean DNA. They inserted the gene that
produces the inhibitor into the DNA of a bacterium called Agro-
bacterium tumefaciens. Using this bacterium they have been able to add
the inhibitor gene to peas. They hope soon to be able to add the gene to
African and Asian pulses.
(a) Describe how scientists could:

(i) remove the gene that produces the inhibitor from kidney beans;
.............................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)
(ii) insert this gene into the DNA of a bacterium.
.............................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)
(b) The DNA in the bacterium is able to replicate to produce many
copies of itself for insertion into pea cells. Describe the structure
of a DNA molecule and explain how this structure enables the
molecule to replicate itself.
.............................................................
.............................................................
.............................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (8)
Question 7
(a) Draw a labelled diagram of a representative length of the DNA
(deoxyribonucleic acid) molecule (the chemical structure of the
different constituents is not required). (3)
(b) Name the repeating units that are joined to form the macro-
molecule of DNA.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)
(c) Suppose that a section of DNA has the following sequence of

bases:
GGATTAACACCT
What will be the complementary messenger RNA (ribonucleic
acid) sequence?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)
(d) Using the Table of amino acid triplets below, determine the
sequence of the amino acids of the protein synthesized from this
messenger RNA.
Table 8. Selected amino acids and their related mRNA triplet

codes
Triplet code Amino acid
AAU Asparagine
CCU Proline
GAA Glutamic acid
AUG Methionine
CUA Leucine
GGA Glycine
ACA Threonine
GCU Alanine
UGU Cysteine
.............................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)
(e) Name the two other kinds of RNA that participate in protein
synthesis.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)
Question 8
In 1958, Meselson and Stahl published the results of an experiment
which provided strong evidence that cells produce new DNA by a
process of semi-conservative replication.
(a) Why is replication of DNA described as semi-conservative?

.............................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)
Meselson and Stahl’s experiment is outlined in the following

Figure (15N is a heavy isotope of nitrogen).
Generation 0 1 2 3
E. coli with Cells Cells Cells
15
N-labelled replicate replicate replicate
DNA grown once on a second a third
on 14N medium 14
N medium time on time on
14 14
N medium N medium
DNA is extracted and centrifuged
(b) Which component of the DNA was labelled with the 15N?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)
(c) Explain why centrifugation separates the DNA labelled with
different isotopes of nitrogen.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)
(d) On the diagram above, draw in the results you would expect for
generations 2 and 3.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)
Question 9
Read the following passage.
For more than 30 years, Professor Stanley Miller of the University of Calif-
ornia has been trying to show how life began. From a primitive mixture
of hydrogen, ammonia, methane and other simple chemicals exposed to
lightning and ultraviolet radiation, he has been trying to produce a self-
replicating chemical that might have been the first form of life.
His latest experiments support the view that early life was based on
RNA, rather than DNA to which it is closely related. RNA still plays a
central role in life as the agent for transferring the information stored in
56 Outline solutions
DNA and used to make proteins. In early life it seems to have been more
important still. RNA can not only act as a store of genetic information
and a means of transferring it, but can also act as a catalyst.
Professor Miller’s latest experiments go back to an earlier stage of
the process, seeking to show how the RNA itself might have been
produced. He has shown that it is likely that all the components on
which RNA is based could have been made in the conditions on the
Earth 3.5 billion years ago.
Adapted from an article by Nigel Hawkes in The Times (3 July 1995).

(a) In what ways are the structures of RNA and DNA alike, and in
what ways are they different?
.............................................................
.............................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (4)
(b) Explain how RNA acts ‘as the agent for transferring the inform-
ation stored in DNA that is used to make proteins’ (lines 7 and 8).
.............................................................
.............................................................
.............................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (6)
(c) Suggest why a nucleic acid molecule would have been essential
in the first forms of life.
.............................................................
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2)
Answers
Question 1
(a) (i) GCUGGGUC.(2 marks if fully correct; 1 mark if only G and C correct)
(ii) CAG. (1)
(b) (i) Leucine and glycine. (1)
(ii) Deletion affects all (subsequent) triplets in the DNA sequence and so
may alter entire protein; substitution may alter only a single amino
acid/triplet codon; if the third base in the triplet changed, it may have no
effect/degenerate code. (any 2)
Question 2
(a) 15N is incorporated into (nitrogenous) base of DNA. Its presence increases
the density of the DNA. (2)
(b) The DNA in Tube C consists of a dense 15N strand, the template used in
replication. Also present is a less-dense 14N strand, the newly replicated
strand. No intermediate exists because the DNA was made single stranded
before it was centrifuged. (3)
(c) There will be two bands present, one of lower density (top of the tube) and
one of higher density. The former contains about three times as much
DNA as the latter. (2)
(d) Percentage of base
present in DNA sample Ratio of (AG) Ratio of (AT)
DNA Sample A G C T to (CT) to (CG)
Double-stranded 30 20 20 30 1.00 1.5
Strand 28 26 14 32 1.17 1.5
Strand 32 14 26 28 0.85 1.5 (4)
(e) 1.00, because it is composed of equal numbers of and strands. (2)
Question 3
(a) (i) Change in sequence of bases/nucleotides in gene/codon. (1)
(ii) Any four of the following: (substitution) leading to different codon/
bases at this point (in DNA) chain; leads to ‘wrong’ amino acid insertion at
this point in polypeptide; deletion/addition alters all subsequent amino
acids; leads to changed sequence of all subsequent amino acids; copy of
changed (codon) in mRNA; reference to ribosomes; reference to anti-
codons on tRNA; reference to specific amino acid attached to tRNA. (4)
(b) Heterozygotes always have one dominant allele, therefore one DNA chain
will always produce enough functional enzyme. (2)
Question 4
(a) Hydrogen bonding/specific base pairing. (1)
(b) W phosphate or phosphoric acid group; X deoxyribose/sugar/pentose;
Y cytosine; Z adenine. (4)
Question 5
(a) (i) Restriction enzyme/endonuclease/named enzyme e.g. EcoR1, HindIII,
BamHI. (1)
(ii) DNA ligase (see BASC Booklet 7, Recombinant DNA Technology for
further details). (1)
(b) 16, because each tRNA is specific to one amino acid. (2)
(c) (i) GGUAUCGUG; (1)
(ii) any four of the following: might code for a stop codon; might code for a
different amino acid; this would make a modified protein; protein might
not function; amino acid might not alter (because the change occurs
on third triplet); therefore no change to protein made. (3)
Question 6
(a) (i) Restriction enzyme/endonuclease. Removes section of DNA. (2)
(ii) Two of the following: cut bacterial DNA/plasmid; ligase; splices in
DNA; reference to vectors, e.g. phage. (2)
(See BASC Booklet 7, Recombinant DNA Technology for further details.)
(b) Eight of the following (allow points on diagram if appropriately
labelled/annotated): reference to nucleotides; four bases named; reference
to sugar–phosphate ‘backbone’; reference to two (polynucleotide) strands;
58 Outline solutions
reference to specific base-pairing; example, e.g. A–T/C–G; reference to

bonding/hydrogen bonds; reference to ‘uncoiling’/‘unzipping’; reference
to new complementary strand formation. (8)
Question 7
(a) Phosphate/sugar/base: in correct sequence; antiparallel strands. (3)
(b) Nucleotides. (1)
(c) CCUAAUUGUGGA (2; 1 mark if single error)
(d) Proline, asparagine, cysteine and glycine (2; 1 mark if single error)
(e) Transfer RNA and ribosomal RNA. (2)
Question 8
(a) Both daughter helices contain one (conserved) strand from the parent
molecule and one newly synthesized complementary DNA strand. (2)
(b) The nitrogenous (nitrogen-containing) bases. (1)
(c) The 15N DNA has a higher density than that of 14N and the difference in
buoyant density is sufficiently great to be able to be resolved as separate
bands in a caesium chloride gradient, 15N moves further down in gradient. (2)
(d) Generation 2 would have two bands of equal intensity, one at the hybrid
density and one at the light density. Generation 3 would also have two
bands at the same densities but the ratio of amount of DNA would be 3:1,
light:hybrid. (2)
Question 9
(a) Alike: contain the same bases adenine, guanine and cytosine; basic building
blocks of nucleotides consist of sugar, phosphate and base; nucleotides
linked by phosphodiester bonds.
Different: DNA contains the base thymine whilst RNA contains the base
uracil; DNA contains the sugar deoxyribose whilst RNA has the sugar
ribose; DNA is usually double stranded and large; RNA is usually single
stranded and relatively small. (4; maximum of 2 for each section)
(b) Specific portion of the DNA helix coding for the protein ‘unzips’; comple-
mentary RNA nucleotides line up opposite exposed DNA bases; template
DNA strand is used; mRNA strand synthesized by DNA-dependent
RNA polymerase; mRNA strand released and exits nucleus through pore
in membrane; attaches to ribosomes (contains rRNA); each tRNA
molecule carries a specific amino acid; ribosomes move along mRNA
strand; codon/anticodon interaction ensures correct sequence of amino
acids; adjacent amino acids joined by peptide bond to produce
polypeptide/protein. (any 6)
(c) The need to have a stable, compact store of information, a self-replicating
molecule which can mutate to allow evolutionary survival of the fittest. (any 2)
8
Laboratory practicals
Extraction and characterization of DNA from

Micrococcus lysodeikticus
As DNA is a large fragile molecule, isolation methods must be mild in
order to avoid excessive breakage of DNA chains. Extreme conditions
(either of pH or temperature) must be avoided and the following pro-
cedure describes a method of DNA preparation from a bacterial source.
Students should record carefully any changes which occur at each stage
of the method and try to account for any changes.
Method (day 1, 2 hours)

Suspend 0.5 g of freeze-dried Micrococcus lysodeikticus cells in 20 ml of
0.15 M NaCl/0.1 M EDTA, pH 8.0. Add 20 mg of lysozyme and
incubate at 37C for 15 min. Add 1.6 ml of 25% (w/v) sodium dodecyl
sulphate (SDS) solution, mix and incubate for 10 min at 65C. Cool and
add 5.5 ml of 5 M sodium perchlorate followed by 25 ml of chloroform-
isoamyl alcohol (25:1 v/v). Mix thoroughly for 15 min. Centrifuge for
10 min at high speed. Carefully draw off the top aqueous layer with a
Pasteur pipette and place the solution in a narrow beaker. Carefully layer
on top an equal volume of ice-cold absolute alcohol. Using a clean glass
rod collect the DNA precipitate from the interface and transfer to a clean
portion of ethanol. Wash the DNA by unwinding and rewinding onto
the rod. Transfer to a tube containing 3 ml of SSC (0.15 M NaCl/0.015M
sodium citrate, pH 7.0). Leave until next practical period to dissolve.
59
60 Laboratory practicals
Properties of DNA
Hyperchromicity
This feature of DNA arises from the fact that when double-stranded
DNA is denatured (i.e. strands are separated) the absorbance at 260 nm
increases substantially (up to 40%).
Base composition
The base compositions of DNA and RNA differ, and this can be demon-
strated by chromatography of hydrolysates of samples of each. By
eluting the separated bases and determining the amount of each spec-
trophotometrically the base ratios can be calculated and compared.
Method (day 2, 2.5 hours)

Make a 1-in-10 dilution of 1 ml of your DNA sample using SSC. If a
spectrophotometer is available record the ultraviolet absorption
spectrum using SSC as blank (further dilution may be necessary). Heat a
sample of your dilute DNA to 100C for 15 min and cool quickly. Re-
record the spectrum.
Place approx. 20 mg of DNA and RNA provided and your DNA
solution [an A260 of 1 optical density (OD) unit is approx. 50 g/ml] in
separate clean test tubes and add 0.5 ml of 70% HClO 4 . Heat in a
boiling-water bath for 1 h in a fume cupboard. Cool, add an equal
volume of water, and spot 10 l samples on to a chromatogram together
with 10 l samples of thymine, adenine, guanine, cytosine and uracil
solutions. Develop the chromatogram using 65% isopropanol/16% con-
centrated HCl/19% water as solvent.
Method (day 3, 1.5 hours)

Examine the chromatogram under ultraviolet light and mark in pencil
lines around the spots (wear a face mask!). Measure RF values and cut
out the separated bases with scissors (including approx. equal areas of
the chromatograms as a blank). Transfer to clean test tubes and elute the
bases by adding 10 ml of 0.1 M HCl. Heat to 45C for 10–15 min and
allow to cool. Record the ultraviolet absorption spectrum of each eluate
and calculate concentrations using molar extinction coefficients.
Purification of RNA
Before use in biochemistry practical classes, commercially available
RNA must first be purified and treated in the following sequence:
(i) 10 g of RNA (BDH-yeast) taken in some distilled water and dissolved
by bringing to pH 6.8–7.0 with NaOH;
(ii) dilute to 200 ml with distilled water;
(iii) spin down insoluble residue in a centrifuge (5 000 revolutions/min
for 15 min);
(iv) dialyse for 48 h in three changes of 2 litres of ice-cold distilled water;
(v) precipitate with 2 vols. of 95% ethanol and solid sodium acetate to
make 2% solution;
(vi) spin down RNA, redissolved to 200 ml with distilled water;
(vii) dialyse for 24 h against distilled water;
(viii) precipitate with 2 vols. of 95% ethanol and bring to 2% with solid
sodium acetate;
(ix) RNA spun down and wash the precipitate twice with ethanol:ether
(1:1);
(x) wash precipitated RNA with ether and air dry (stirring well).
Store cold and use within 8 weeks.
Further experiments relating to the physical and chemical properties
of DNA and RNA can be performed using the DNA isolated in this way
or using material obtained from commercial sources. The choice of
experiments is best made by the individual teacher based on such factors
as availability of specialist equipment, cost of consumables, safety and
practical time available. Titles for some practicals in this area are given
below together with the appropriate reference. Practicals relating to
functional aspects of the nucleic acids that are suitable for school are
sparse, largely because many depend on the use of very specialist
equipment or expensive and potentially hazardous radiochemicals. In
these cases use may be made of computer simulations and/or videotape
material and possible titles are included below and in the list that
follows. School teachers may also wish to take the opportunity of
linking with a neighbouring institute of higher education in order to
establish access to specialist equipment of this type. At the present time
many such institutions would welcome such an approach.
62 Laboratory practicals
Further practicals
Falconer,A.C. and Hayes, L.J. (1986) The Extraction and Partial Purification of Bacterial DNA as
a Practical Exercise for GCE Advanced Level Students. Journal of Biological Education 20,
25–26
Wood, P. (1984) Use of Computer Simulations in Microbial and Molecular Genetics. Journal of
Biological Education 20, 309–312
Goodridge, F. (1983) The Teaching of Protein Synthesis — a Microcomputer Based Method.
Journal of Biological Education 17, 222–224
New, J. and Jolley, R. (1986) Ultraviolet Radiation Induction of Mutation in Penicillium claviforme.
Journal of Biological Education 20, 155–157
Franco, R. and Canela, E.I. (1985) SIMCODE;A Program for Simulating Point Mutations in
Genomic DNA. Biochemical Education 13, 66–67
Spinder, S., Siebert, P., Coffman, F. and Jurnak, F. (1984) Isolation of Biologically Active mRNA.
Biochemical Education 12, 22–25
Rosenfield, I.Z.H.E. and Van Loon, B. (1983) DNA for Beginners,Writers and Readers Publishing
Co., location ISBN 0 86316 023 9
9
Source materials
Textbooks
Boyer, R.F. (1986) Modern Experimental Biochemistry,Addison–Wesley Publishing Co. Inc.,
Wokingham [experiments 15–20]
Calladine, C.R. and Drew, H.R. (1997) Understanding DNA (2nd edition),Academic Press,
London
Campbell, N.A. (1996) Biology (4th edition), Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Company, California
Drlica, K. (1984) Understanding DNA and Gene Cloning:A Guide for the Curious, John Wiley and
Sons, Chichester
Garrett, R.H. and Grisham, C.M. (1997) Biochemistry, Saunders College Publishing, California
Matthews, C.K. and van Holde, K.E. (1996) Biochemistry (2nd edition), Benjamin/Cummings
Publishing Company, California
Matthews, H.R., Freedland, R. and Miesfeld, R.L. (1997) Biochemistry: A Short Course, John Wiley
and Sons, Chichester
Rosenfield, I., Riff, E. and Van Loon, B. (1983) DNA for Beginners,Writers and Readers Publishing
Co., ISBN 0 86316 023 9
Sinden, R.R. (1994) DNA Structure and Function,Academic Press, London
Solomon, E.P., Berg, L.R., Martin, D.W. and Villee, C. (1996) Biology (4th edition), Saunders College
Publishing, California
Voet, D. and Voet, J.G. (1995) Biochemistry (2nd edition), John Wiley and Sons, Chichester
Articles
Darnell Jr., J.E. (1985) RNA. Scientific American, 253, 54–72
Felsenfeld, G. (1985) DNA. Scientific American 253, 54–72
The Molecular Basis of Evolution. (1985) Scientific American 253, 148–157
Weinberg, R.A. (1985) The Molecules of Life. Scientific American 253, 34–43
63
64 Source materials
Teaching aids
Fletterick, R.J., Schroer,T. and Matela, R.J. (1985) Blackwell Molecular Models (Patent No. 437218)
together with Molecular Structure: Macromolecules in Three Dimensions, Blackwell Scientific
Publications, Oxford
Parish J.H. (1986) Nucleic Acid Structure and Synthesis, IRL Press Ltd., Oxford
Bleasby,A.J. and Parish J.H. (1986) The Genetic Code and Protein Synthesis, IRL Press Ltd., Oxford
Lowrie, R.S. Minit Molecular Modeling System. DNA and RNA model kits. Cochranes of Oxford
Ltd., Oxford
Nicholson Molecular Models. DNA and RNA model kits. Labquip,Wokingham
The Bio-Bombshell (1984) New ScientistVideo, IPC Magazines Ltd., London
The DNA Story, John Wiley and Sons Ltd., Chichester
DNA - Blueprint of Life, John Wiley and Sons Ltd., Chichester
Molecular Models Kit (DNA and RNA), Molecular Design Inc.,Academic Press, London
Pipe cleaners: useful for distinguishing left and right-handed helices
The Biochemical Basis of Biology (video programme), volumes 2 and 3,The Biochemical Society,
London
DNA Kit, NCBE,The University of Reading, Reading
Plant DNA Investigation Kit, NCBE,The University of Reading, Reading
DNA Model, NCBE,The University of Reading, Reading
Subject index
A form (crystalline form), of DNA, 13 isolation, 12
Adaptor molecule, 18, 41 parallel arrangement, 15
Adenine, 7 replication, 27
Amino-acyl tRNA synthetase, 42, 43 structure, 13–17, 20, 25
Anticodon, 44 template, 37
Antiparallel arrangement, of DNA, 15 Double helix, 14, 25
B form, 13 Enzyme
Base composition in DNA replication, 26, 27
of DNA, 12, 13 in post-translational modification,
of RNA, 18 45
Base pairing, 12, 14, 17 in transcription, 38
in translation, 42, 43
Caesium chloride density gradient, Electrophoresis, 18
23, 24 Elongation, 44
Central dogma of molecular biology, Epigenetic change, 2
29
Chain-terminating signal, 35 N-Formylmethionine (fMET), 43
Chargaff’s base pairing rule, 12–14
Chemical taxonomy, 12 Gel filtration, 18
Chromatin, 11 Gene region, 30
Codon, 29, 32 Genetic code, 29-31
Condensation reaction, 10, 44 Genetic information carrier, 2
Conservative replication, 22 Genotype, 2
Control region, 31 Glycoside bond, 8
Crick, Francis, 14, 32 Guanine, 7
Crystallographic repeat, 13
Cytosine, 7 Heredity, 1, 2
Histone protein, 11
Deformylase, 45 Hybrid density, 24
Degenerate code, 35 Hydrogen bond, 14–16, 21, 39
Density gradient centrifugation, 17,
23, 24 Identity period, 13
Deoxyribonucleic acid (see DNA) Initiation, 39
Deoxyribonucleoside, 8 Initiation complex, 44
Deoxyribose, 6 Initiation site, 40, 43
DNA ligase, 27 Ion-exchange chromatography, 17
DNA polymerase III, 26, 27 Isolation
DNA of DNA, 12
A form (crystalline form), 13 of RNA, 17
antiparallel arrangement, 15
base composition, 12, 13 Lagging strand, 26
duplex form, 16 Leading strand, 26
59
60 Subject index
Leder and Nirenberg, 33 Ribosome, 18, 43–46

Meselson and Stahl experiment, Ribozyme, 20
23, 24 Right-handed helix, 15
Messenger RNA, 18, 19, 38, 39 RNA polymerase, 37–40
Minor base, 8 RNA
Multiple repeat sequence, 31 base composition, 18
isolation, 17
Non-coding sequence, 31 4S RNA, 19
Nonsense codon, 34, 45 structure, 18–20
Nucleoside, 8
Nucleotide, 8 Semi-conservative replication, 22, 25
Sequential code, 35
Okazaki fragment, 26 Shine–Dalgarno consensus sequence,
One gene–one polypeptide theory, 43
30 Single-stranded RNA, 16, 20
‘Spent’ tRNA, 44
Palindromic region, 39 Strand separation, 26
Parallel arrangement of DNA, 15 Structure
Peptidase, 45 of DNA, 13–17, 20, 25
Peptide bond, 44 of RNA, 18–20
Peptide synthesis, 30–35, 43–45 Sugar–phosphate backbone, 10, 14,
Peptidyl transferase, 44 16, 17
Perchloric acid, 12 Svedberg (S) unit, 19
Phenotype, 1, 3 Synthetic mRNA, 33
Phosphodiester linkage, 9–11
Polynucleotide, 9 Termination, 39, 45
Polysome/polyribosome, 46 Thymine, 7
Post-translational modification, 45 Transcription, 29, 31, 37–40
Protein (see Peptide synthesis) Transfer RNA, 18, 19, 44
Purine, 7 Translation, 31, 41–46
Pyrimidine, 7 Translocation, 44
Pyrophosphate linkage, 9 Triple helix, 16
Triplet theory, 32
Replicase, 27
Replication, 21–27 Uracil, 7
Replication fork, 26
Rho protein, 39 Virus, 12, 16
Ribonucleic acid (see RNA)
Ribonucleoside, 8 Watson, James, 14
Ribose, 6
Ribosomal RNA, 18 X-ray diffraction, 13, 14
Ribosome-binding technique, 33 X174, 12, 16

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The Structure and Function

C.F.A. Bryce* and D. Pacini†

Other topics covered by this series include: Essential Chemistry for

More information on the work of BASC and these booklets is available

Comments on the content of this booklet will be welcomed by the Series

ISBN 0 90449 834 4

© The Biochemical Society 1998

All BASC material is copyright by the Biochemical Society. Extracts

Printed by Holbrooks Printers Ltd, Portsmouth, U.K.

1 Nucleic acids and genetic information transfer ................1

2 Isolation and structure of nucleic acids..............................5

Learning objectives ..............................................................................21

4 The genetic code................................................................29

Learning objectives ..............................................................................29

Learning objectives ..............................................................................37

Learning objectives ..............................................................................41

7 Assessment: past examination questions and outline

8 Laboratory practicals ........................................................59

Extraction and characterization of DNA from Micrococcus

9 Source materials ................................................................63

Subject index ......................................................................65

More to heredity than DNA

Single-cell organisms take a siesta

Such studies represent the most conclusive evidence that DNA is

In DNA we find principally four different bases: adenine (A),

Note: A-level students are not expected to recognize these structural

In addition to these major bases there is also a large range of so-

Building nucleic acids from their building blocks

Nucleotides can be regarded as the building blocks for the larger

Nucleoside di- and triphosphates

The structure of a polynucleotide is shown diagrammatically above.

From this figure it can be seen that the phosphodiester bond is

If the ‘P’ is on the left of a base then it is attached to the 5-carbon

DNA isolation, base composition and structure

Table 2.The percentage composition of bases in the DNA from a

When the beam of X-rays collides with an electron-dense region in

Later work by Franklin, Goslin, Wilkins and co-workers (1953)

A single-ringed pyrimidine base opposite a double-ringed purine

Molecular impostor that cannot form hydrogen bonds

Because the two polynucleotide strands have ‘direction’, two con-

Subsequent studies using space-filling models showed that there

Triple helices are also possible

DNA as the logic for new breed of computers

Breast tissue traps carcinogens

Table 3. DNA structure and function

RNA isolation, base composition and structure

Front view Side view

Note: the S-values refer to how fast a particular molecule sediments in an

RNAs which act as enzymes

A role for RNA in the treatment of debilitating disease

Table 4. Differences between DNA and RNA structure and properties

Each of these we have already considered, and thus, if we are given

Note: A-level students are only expected to consider evidence for or

The five possible modes of replication are shown schematically in the

Parent DNA Parent DNA

Conservative Semi-conservative Non-conservative

tissue culture. The original experiment which proved this mechanism

The Meselson and Stahl experiment

incorporated into newly synthesized DNA (as well as other nitrogen-