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The Central Dogma of Biology among other things…. What is the Central Dogma?. The process by which we convert the message stored in DNA into a functional protein DNA mRNA tRNA Protein!. Step 1: DNA mRNA. Transcription (copy the DNA message into an mRNA strand) DNA must “unzip”
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What is the Central Dogma? • The process by which we convert the message stored in DNA into a functional protein DNA mRNA tRNA Protein!
Step 1: DNA mRNA • Transcription (copy the DNA message into an mRNA strand) • DNA must “unzip” • Helicase is the enzyme that “unzips” DNA • An RNA copy is made • Polymerase • DNA “triplets” (groups of 3 nitrogenous bases in DNA) become mRNA “codons” (complementary groups of 3 nitrogenous bases in mRNA) • Once the RNA copy is made, it travels out into the cytoplasm
Step 2: mRNA tRNA Protein • Translation • The “language” of the nucleic acids is translated into the “language” of the amino acids (the tRNA acts as a literal “translator”) • “codons” become “anticodons” (3 nitrogenous bases in tRNA that are complementary to the mRNA codons). Each anticodon corresponds to one specific amino acid • When complete, AA chain is released!
Protein Folding • Proteins must achieve a specific three-dimensional conformation before they become functional • Spontaneous folding (protein folds itself) • Chaperoned folding (protein is physically folded by something else)
Organelles • Endoplasmic Reticulum • Smooth ER – lipid synthesis and site of chemical rxn’s • Rough ER – protein synthesis (“rough” because covered with ribosomes!) • Ribosomes – protein production factories in the cell • Nucleus – contains genetic material; command center of cell • Golgi Apparatus – responsible for packaging and shipping in the cell • Lysosomes – contain digestive enzymes to break down wastes • Mitochondria – breaks down glucose to provide cell with ATP • Peroxisomes – seek and destroy harmful substances in the cell • Centrioles – protein bundles that serve as anchors during cell division
Cytoskeleton • Microtubules (hollow cylinders) • Determine shape and distribution of organelles • Microfilaments • Cell motility (movement) and changes in cell shape • Intermediate Filaments (see Desmosomes) • Help form Desmosomes
Cell Cycle • Interphase – period of growth and metabolism in the cell • G1 – cytoplasm doubles in volume, proteins are synthesized, organelles are copied • Synthesis – growth stops, DNA replicates • G2 – centrioles replicate, growth continues • Mitosis – division of the nucleus; end result is two identical daughter cells • Prophase – preparation for division: nuclear envelope and nucleolus disappear, chromatin condenses into chromosomes, centrioles migrate to opposite ends of the cell, spindle fibers appear) • Metaphase – spindle fibers attach to chromosomes and align them at the middle of the cell • Anaphase – spindle fibers shorten, drawing sister chromatids to opposite ends of the cell • Telophase – spindle fibers disappear, nuclear envelope and nucleolus reappear, chromatids uncoil into chromatin, cytoplasm begins to pinch • Cytokinesis – division of the cytoplasm; cells re-enter interphase
Plasma Membrane • Or Selectively Permeable Membrane or Phospholipid Bilayer or Cell Membrane or Membrane or Lipid Bilayer • Flexible boundary between the cell and its environment • Purpose: maintain homeostasis!
Membrane Junctions • Junctions form between adjacent cells • Tight Junctions • Impermeable barriers • Their purpose is to bind cells together into “sheets” • Act like “zippers” for adjacent cells • Desmosomes • Anchoring Junctions • Prevent tearing of tissues due to mechanical stress • Gap Junctions • Allow communication between cells • Made of Connexons • Protein channels within gap junctions
Membrane Transport • Passive Transport (requires no energy) • Diffusion: random movement of solute particles across a membrane from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration • Osmosis: diffusion of water – here our focus is on the concentration of solvent particles (not solute!!). Osmosis typically occurs in the opposite direction of simple diffusion • Active Transport (requires energy; goes AGAINST a concentration gradient) • Solute Pumping (requires a carrier protein) • Sodium-potassium pump • Bulk Transport • Endocytosis (cell takes up materials by enveloping it with a membrane) • Exocytosis (cell expels materials) • Phagocytosis (“cellular eating” – defense mechanism in the cell) • Pinocytosis (“cellular drinking” – endocytosis for materials dissolved in solution)