Unit 5 Reflection

     In this unit, we learned a lot of different things. First we learned about our genetic code, DNA. DNA is made up of a 5 carbon sugar called deoxyribose, a phosphate backbone, and one of 4 nitrogenous bases, adenine, guanine, thymine, and cytosine. We also learned about the difference between pyrimidines and purines.  Adenine and Guanine are purines, meaning that they are double-ringed. On the other hand, Thymine and Cytosine are pyrimidines, meaning that they are single ringed. A always pairs with T, and G always pairs up with C. DNA is also antiparallel: it runs from the 3' to the 5' direction.

Nitrogenous bases

    In the next vodast, we learned about how DNA copies itself. First a DNA unzips itself using helicase by breaking hydrogen bonds. DNA polymerase then matches corresponding nucleotides. The result is two identical DNA molecules, each containing one of the original strand's DNA. This type of replication is called semiconservative replication. 

     The next vodcast was about protein synthesis, the central dogma of biology. First we learned about the differences between DNA and RNA. DNA is double stranded, while RNA is single stranded. RNA has ribose, while DNA has deoxyribose. Finally, RNA has the base uracil, while DNA has the base thymine. The first step of protein synthesis is transcription. DNA unzips, and RNA polymerase matches nucleotides to make an RNA strand, known as messenger RNA. mRNA goes to the ribosome. The ribosome reads a codon, 3 bases at a time. Each codon codes for one amino acid. The result is a protein.
     Next, we learned about mutations. Mutations change the DNA. Point mutations change a single base. Examples include substitution and. We also learned about frameshift mutations, which include insertions and deletions.
     Finally, we learned about gene expression and regulation. It is very hard to explain, so it is better to see a picture.

Gene Expression and Regulation




I have understood most of what was taught in this unit. For me, the most confusing things were protein synthesis and gene regulation. Through labs and Mr. Orre's explanations, I understand them better, but still need practice with them. I feel that I am a better student. I learned to be proactive and relearn things that I had trouble understanding. A lot of the previous units make more sense now. I either had to apply knowledge from a previous unit or relate this unit to something else.
I am very curious about this topic. I want to learn more about protein synthesis and what causes mutations. Last unit, I took a VARK questionnaire to see how I learned best. I tried applying these habits to my study routine not just for biology, but for other classes. For the most part, it has worked.  This unit has been very interesting, and I have learned a lot.