DNA and RNA
Four major characteristics for a molecule to serve as genetic material: replication, storage, expression, and Mutation.
- Replication, The genetic material has to be able to replicate, so that exact copies can be passed down to the daughter cells during cell cycles
- Storage, DNA sequences serve as a repository of all hereditary characteristics. All cells contain complete genome but only one part of it is expressed at a certain time. Gene expression may be cell specific and time specific.
- Expression, Is a complex process of information flow.
It starts with DNA transcription, which gives rise to mRNA, tRNA and rRNA. mRNA is than translated into a protein product. Genetic central dogma: DNA –> RNA –> Protein
1. lect 1 Basics of Molecular Biology
2. lect 2 CELL structure-PAT REV