EXERCISE 5

MOLECULAR BASIS OF HEREDITY

Reggie Y. Dela Cruz

I. INTRODUCTION

The structure and function of the cell is determined by the kind and amount of proteins it contains.
The proteins synthesized by the cell are determined by the genes the organism has. Genes are composed
of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The DNA has the role of being the “blueprint” of the cell and ultimately the
whole organism.

The central dogma of molecular biology explains how the DNA transmits information from generation
to the next and how it encodes the information on the types of proteins to be synthesized by the cell. The
DNA found in the nucleus has to be transcribed into messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) which goes to the
cytoplasm and meets with the ribosome for translation process to occur. The final gene products are proteins
or polypeptides.

II. OBJECTIVE

At the end of the exercise, the student should be able to illustrate through models the processes of
replication, transcription and translation.

III. MATERIALS

Hard plastic folders (6 colors) 1 pair of sharp scissors

IV. PROCEDURE

A. DNA Structure. The DNA is a double-stranded helix whose backbone is made up of deoxyribose sugar
and phosphate. The two backbones are connected by several pairs of nitrogenous bases. The nitrogenous
bases are grouped into purines and pyrimidines. Purines include adenine(A) and guanine(G) while
pyrimidines include cytosine(C) and thymine(T). There is specific pairing of these four bases: A pairs only
with T and C pairs only with G.

1. Construct a DNA model composed of 18 base pairs using colored plastic chips.
2. Designate a color and shape to each molecule in the DNA. The following are just suggestions. You can
be more creative!

Red =T
blue =A
yellow =C
green =G

pink =deoxyribose sugar

1
Figure 18. Components of a nucleotide
49
 3. Calculate the number of chips you need for each molecule.
4. Put the sugar and phosphate in the proper positions using toothpick to show the bonds.
5. Show your DNA model to your laboratory instructor. Document your work.

B. Replication. The genetic information in the DNA is copied accurately during replication. In
this process, two daughter DNA molecules are produced from a single parent DNA molecule.
This is necessary so that the genetic information can be passed on to daughter cells during
cell division.

1. Simulate the replication process using your DNA in part A. First, separate the two strands
from each other carefully.
2. Pair each strand with a new DNA strand. Remember A pairs only with T and C with G.
3. Put the sugar and phosphate in the proper positions using toothpick to show the bonds.
4. Let your laboratory instructor check your work. Document your set up.

C. Transcription. In this process, the genetic information coded by the DNA is copied in a
ribonucleic acid (RNA). There are many types of RNA. One of which is the messenger RNA
(mRNA) which carries information from the nucleus to the ribosome, for protein synthesis.
1. Focus on one of the daughter DNA molecules in part B. Designate the template strand by
choosing one of the two strands. The template strand is where the mRNA is to be made.
2. Make a mRNA out of the template strand by complementary base pairing. A G in the DNA
pairs with C in the RNA or vice versa. T in the DNA pairs with A in the RNA while an A
pairs with uracil (U).
3. Add the sugar ribose and phosphate as backbone. Take note the RNA is a single stranded
molecule.
4. Show your transcribe mRNA to your laboratory instructor. Document your work.

D. Translation. In this step, the nucleotides are converted into amino acids; thereby, proteins
are synthesized. This occur in the ribosomes.
1. Examine your transcribed mRNA in C. The mRNA contains the codons. A codon is made
up of three adjacent nitrogenous bases.
2. Copy the sequence of your mRNA in the data sheet and divide into codons.
3. Study the genetic code in the following page. Determine the specific amino acid coded by
each codon. You have now made a protein (segment)!

REFERENCES:

Campbell, N. M., J. Reece, Urry, L.A., Cain, M.L., Minorsky, P. V., Wasserman,S. A. & Jackson,
R.B. (2009). Biology. 8th ed. San Francisco, CA.: Benjamin Cummings Publishing Co., Inc.
Hartl, D. L. & Jones, E. W. (2006). Essential Genetics: A Genomic Perspective. 4th ed. Philippine
Edition.
Klugs, W.S., M.R. Cummings & Spencer, C.A.. (2006). Concepts of Genetics 8th ed. San
Francisco, CA.: Benjamin Cummings Publishing Co., Inc.
Laude, R.P., A.A. Barrion, M. S. Mendioro, M.G.Q. Diaz,N.A. Bebing, L.S. Villafuerte & Ramirez,
D.A.. 2005. Genetics Laboratory Manual. 11th revision. San Pablo City, Phil: 7 Lakes Printing
Press, 12 A. Fule St.,.Pp 49-69.
Weaver, R. (2012). Molecular Biology 5th Editon. USA: McGrawHill, Inc. ,NY.

35
 EXERCISE 5

MOLECULAR BASIS OF HEREDITY

Name: _______________________________________ Rating: ______________

V. RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS:

_____________________________________________________________________
Figure 19. DNA Structure. Draw or paste image of DNA model.

___________________________________________________________________
Figure 20. Replication Setup. Draw or paste image of set-up.

36
_________________________________________________________________________
Figure 21. Transcription Setup. Draw or paste image of set-up.

mRNA:

Amino acids

Figure 22. Translation Setup. Copy the sequence of bases in the mRNA below and translate
codons into amino acids using the genetic code below.

Figure 23. The Genetic Code(Weaver, 2012)

37
 VI.CONCLUSION:

VII. QUESTIONS:

1. What is the importance of the replication process?

2. Enumerate at least five types of RNA and give the function.

b.

c.

d.

e.

3. What are the characteristics or features of the genetic code?

4. Differentiate replication, transcription and translation using the table below.

Table 19. Differences among replication, transcription and translation.

FEATURES REPLICATION TRANSCRIPTION TRANSLATION

Factors or
enzymes needed

Product/s of the
process

38