Notes on the Web - Unit Four- Part 2

DNA Structure and Function

Bruce G. Stewart

General Objectives and Study Guide

Your objectives for these Notes on the Web and associated readings and exercises are:

• To explain the classic viral experiments that showed that DNA is the genetic material;

• To recall DNA structure knowledge previously learned;
• To describe the template function of DNA in the replication process of DNA;
• To describe the template function of DNA in the production of RNA.
• To know common terms and facts associated with the topic of the molecular basis of heridity.

Related Textbook Readings:

• For General Biology (BIO 1114) Class only: Johnson and Losos (2008) Chapter 12
• For General Zoology (ZOO 1114) Class only:  Hickman, et al. (2004) (to be assigned in class)

Reminder about Textbook Study

As with other topics, your textbooks have excellent presentations of the materials on the molecular basis of heridity (including DNA structure and function, including generous excellent illustrations. Check the general objectives above to make sure that you have covered all of the topics in the textbook readings.

The "Self Testf" and other questions will be helpful for general biology students, although many more detailed questions will be included in the lecture exam. Similarly, study questions in the zoology textbook will be helpful review for general zoology students, but again, they are not comprehensive.

As with all materials throughout the semester, you will have opportunities to ask questions or ask that any relevant material from your assignments be discussed in class and/or in threaded discussions on Internet.

Link to Dynamic Graphics Site for DNA (Repeat Presentation)

This information, which was first presented in the chemistry unit Notes on the Web is repeated here for your convenience. It is absolutely critical that you thoroughly understand DNA structure, or you cannot possibly learn the mechanisms and consequences of its function. If you did not get this down for some reason in the previous unit, I recommend that you do so here.

An Interactive Animated Nonlinear Tutorial by Eric Martz

Visit this site and explore Number 2 through Number 5 on his list of links.  Spend some time there until you understand the nature of DNA structure thoroughly.  If your browser does not already have it, you will need to download Chemscapes's Chime's latest version to view these images.

• If you are using your home computer, here is a link to MDL Information Systems, Inc. where you can download Chime.   Just follow the instructions there and then come back to the tutorial webpage.  Note, you may have to close your browser and reopen it after you download Chime.
• At college, you may use the Murray State College computers in the Library/Science Building at the following location:
  • Room LS 119
•   A part of our legal agreement requires that you read the following "Chemscape Chime Network License Agreement":
  • Chemscape Chime is owned by MDL Information Systems, Inc. and is protected by United States and international copyright and other intellectual property laws.  Your use of Chemscape Chime is governed by the terms of MDL's End User License Agreement for Chemscape Chime.  By using Chemscape Chime, you indicate that you have read MDL's End User License Agreement for Chemscape Chime and agree to be bound by its terms and conditions.
• If the computer you use in LS 119 has not yet had Chemscape Chime installed, please ask me for an "Installation Instructions for Chemscape Chime" sheet that is written specifically for the college network.

© 2007 Bruce G. Stewart

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