Questions on the structure and function of DNA

1. Answers should be written in continuous prose. Credit will be given for biological accuracy, the
organisation and presentation of the information and the way in which the answer is expressed.

Read the following passage.

DNA acts as a template for the synthesis of RNA molecules. Only in this way does the genetic
information stored in the DNA molecule become directly useful to the cell. RNA synthesis is a
highly selective process. In most mammalian cells only about 1% of the genetic information is
transcribed into functional RNA sequences.

Genetic information must be passed on from cell to cell and from generation to generation.
Before a cell can divide it must produce a new copy of each of its chromosomes. Thus cell
division is preceded by a special “DNA-synthesis phase” during which the DNA is replicated.

(a) Describe the similarities and differences between:

(i) the structures of RNA and DNA;

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(5)

CEG UCLAN UFP Biol,ogy 1

 2 (a) Describe the similarities and differences between:

(i) the processes of replication and transcription.

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(6)

CEG UCLAN UFP Biol,ogy 2

 3 Suggest why only about 1% of the genetic information is transcribed into functional RNA
sequences in most mammalian cells.

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(2)

CEG UCLAN UFP Biol,ogy 3