AP Biology (Mader), 11th Edition

Chapter 12: Molecular Biology of the Gene

Learning Outcomes

12.1 The Genetic Material

1. Describe the properties a substance must possess in order to serve as the genetic material.
2. Examine how historical researchers demonstrated that DNA was the genetic material.
3. Explain the chemical structure of DNA as defined by the Watson and Crick model.

12.2 Replication of DNA

1. Explain why the replication of DNA is semiconservative.
2. Examine the steps of DNA replication.
3. Contrast DNA replication in eukaryotes and prokaryotes.

12.3 The Genetic Code of Life

1. Explain the central dogma of molecular biology.
2. Determine the amino acid sequence specified by an mRNA sequence.

12.4 First Step: Transcription

1. Distinguish the events of transcription that occur during formation of an mRNA molecule.
2. Describe how eukaryotic mRNA molecules are processed and exported to the cytoplasm.

12.5 Second Step: Translation

1. Describe the roles of mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA in translating the genetic code.
2. Examine the stages of translation and the events that occur during each step.

12.6 Structure of the Eukaryotic Chromosome

1. Explain how DNA becomes sufficiently compacted to fit inside the nucleus.