Since RNA is single-stranded, it can fold upon itself and form structures that are protein-like in both appearance and functionality. [0:33]
Watch this microscopic animation of genetic translation in action. [2:06]
Biology 2e is designed to cover the scope and sequence requirements of a typical two-semester biology course for science majors. The text provides comprehensive coverage of foundational research and core biology concepts through an evolutionary lens. Biology includes rich features that engage students in scientific inquiry, highlight careers in the biological sciences, and offer everyday applications. The book also includes various types of practice and homework questions that help students understand—and apply—key concepts. The 2nd edition has been revised to incorporate clearer, more current, and more dynamic explanations, while maintaining the same organization as the first edition. Art and illustrations have been substantially improved, and the textbook features additional assessments and related resources.
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Describe nucleic acids' structure and define the two types of nucleic acids
Explain DNA's structure and role
Explain RNA's structure and roles
Learn the basics of the molecular structure of RNA in this video. Video discusses structure as well as compares the structure of RNA vs. DNA. [11:29]
Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.
Meet a chemist who owns his own business that develops synthetic DNA molecules designed to reprogram cells and help cure diseases. Hear the importance of writing, communication skills and creativity to becoming a successful chemist.
In this interactive activity adapted from the University of Nebraska, learn how and where transcription and translation occur within a cell and observe both processes in detail.
This pathway explores the processes of transcription and translation that allow cells to produce proteins from DNA.
This pathway includes an introduction to how genetic information is replicated and expressed to form proteins. For a deeper look at this topic, we recommend the pathways DNA Structure and Function and Genes and Proteins from the OpenStax textbook Biology for AP® Courses.
See how DNA is copied through a process called replication. Learn how information in DNA can be used to make a protein. [15:24]
Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.
Learn how DNA is copied during replication, and find out how information in DNA can be used to make a protein. [15:24]
Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.
See how DNA is copied by replication, and learn how information in DNA can be used to make a protein. [15:23]
Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.
As a class, students work through an example showing how DNA provides the "recipe" for making our body proteins. They see how the pattern of nucleotide bases (adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine) forms the double helix ladder shape of DNA, and serves as the code for the steps required to make genes. They also learn some ways that engineers and scientists are applying their understanding of DNA in our world.
At DNA from the Beginning, choose from classical genetics, molecules of genetics, genetic organization and control. Each concept is explained through animation, an image gallery, video interviews, biographies and links.
This article from DNA from the beginning is loaded with goodies about genetics and DNA. Starting with Mendel all the way through the concept of DNA, you will see how life is given certain characteristics. Some animations and audio clips are given.
Watson and Crick knew that there had to be some type of molecule that was important in protein synthesis. That molecule was RNA. This multimedia article includes animations, pictures, video, biographical information, and quiz questions that are accessed by clicking on buttons along the bottom of the page.
RNA is now considered to be the first molecule that could transmit information. This article looks at the scientists and experiments that developed this idea. Article includes animations, pictures, video, biographical information, and quiz questions that are accessed by clicking on buttons along the bottom of the page.
In this visualization adapted from the University of Massachusetts Medical School, discover the role that dengue viral proteins play in a human cell as the virus prepares to replicate.
