6. Inheritance, variation and evolution

• What do the letters A, C, G, and T represent in DNA?

  Adenine, Cytosine, Guanine, and Thymine
• Why are A, C, G, and T considered the building blocks of DNA?


  They carry genetic information and form the genetic code
• How do the nucleotide bases pair up in DNA?


  A pairs with T, and C pairs with G
• What is the significance of the sequence of nucleotide bases in DNA?


  • Encodes genetic information
  • Determines the order of amino acids in proteins
  • Forms the rungs of the DNA double helix
• If one strand of DNA has the sequence ATCG, what is the complementary sequence on the other strand?


  TAGC
• How does the sequence of nucleotide bases affect protein synthesis?


  • Determines the order of amino acids in a protein
  • Each group of three bases (codon) corresponds to a specific amino acid
  • Sequence is transcribed into mRNA and translated into a protein
• What might happen if a mutation changes a single base in a gene from A to T?


  It might change the amino acid sequence in the resulting protein
• Why is the sequence of A, C, G, and T in a gene crucial?


  • Determines the genetic information carried by DNA
  • Dictates the structure and function of proteins
  • Ensures correct amino acid assembly
  • Allows for genetic diversity and evolution through mutations
• What is an example of how the sequence in the insulin gene affects its function?


  The sequence determines the structure of the insulin protein, critical for regulating blood sugar levels
• What are the four nucleotide bases found in DNA?

  Adenine, Cytosine, Guanine, Thymine
• What is the role of codons in protein synthesis?


  Codons correspond to specific amino acids in a protein
• How does the sequence of bases in DNA contribute to genetic diversity?


  Changes in the sequence can lead to mutations, which contribute to genetic diversity