7.2 Transcription and Translation

7.2 Transcription and Translation

1. Nature of Science

   • Looking for patterns, trends and discrepancies
     • Epigenetic factors
       • Analysis of changes in the DNA methylation patterns
       • TOK
         • Nature vs Nurture
           • Relative importance of an individual`s innate qualities vs those acquired through experiences is still under discussion

2. Transcription occurs in a 5' and 3' direction

   • RNA polymerase adds the 5' end of the free RNA nucleotide to the 3' end of the growing mRNA molecule
   • Regulation
     • Nucleosomes help to regulate transcription in eukaryotes
       • Eukaryotic cells modify mRNA after transcription
         • Splicing of mRNA incease the number of different proteins an organism can produce
     • The promoter as an example of non-coding DNA with a function
     • The environment of a cell and of an organism has an impact on gene expression
     • Gene expression is regulated by proteins that bind to specific base sequences in DNA