1. DNA Structure and Replication
SC.912.L.16.9
Explain why the genetic code is universal.
Explain why there are similarities in the genetic code of different organisms.
SC.912.L.16.3
Describe the basic process of DNA replication.
Explain why DNA replication has a role in the transmission and conservation of the genetic material.
Demonstrate the process of DNA replication given a DNA strand.
SC.912.L.16.4
Analyze the causes of gene and chromosomal mutations to predict the possible effect in a DNA sequence.
Explain how mutations in a DNA sequence may or may not result in a phenotypic change.
Explain how mutations in gametes may result in phenotypic changes in offspring.

2. Why is the genetic code universal?
All organisms have DNA made of the same molecules.
DNA in every organism has the bases: A,T,C,G

3. Why are there similarities in the genetic code of similar organisms?
Most organisms share a common ancestry and the process of inheritance carries traits from generation to generation.

4. How does the process of DNA replication enable genetic information to be transmitted and used to build proteins?
DNA  RNA  Protein
DNA Replication= making an identical
copy of a DNA strand

5. DNA Replication
DNA replication begins with the unwinding of the DNA double helix by several enzymes.
The exposed strands are then used as a template, or model, to build the new strand according to base pairing rules (A to T, C to G).
At the end of the process, there are two, identical strands of DNA, each with part of the original strand and a newly created strand.

6. How can DNA mutate?
Mutation = a mistake or change in the DNA sequence.
Causes: mistake during replication,exposure to x-rays, ultraviolet light, radioactive substances or certain chemicals.

7. Why don't all mutations result in visible change?
Not all mutations are harmful, some may be beneficial, and may not be visible (silent mutation).
Silent mutations occur because the same amino acid is created despite the error.

8. DNA Replication
Key Vocabulary: DNA, protein synthesis, replication, RNA, transcription, translation, mRNA, tRNA, ribosome, amino acid, protein