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DNA, Heredity and Drug Resistance

Chromosomes are molecules of DNA that provide the essential genetic code for all living organisms, and it is the code that directs the synthesis of proteins that define each organism's structure and function. Genetic factors contribute to causation of many diseases, such as breast cancer and heart disease. Understanding genetics also enables one to understand the major threats to health as a result of the development of drug resistance.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Explain how DNA encodes genetic information and the role of messenger RNA and transfer RNA
  2. Explain how DNA directs protein synthesis and roles of DNA and proteins in regulating cell function
  3. Demonstrate how to predict the possible genotypes that could occur in an offspring provided one knows the genotype of both parents
  4. Explain what a mutation is and give examples of how it might occur

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is an extremely long polymer made from units called nucleotides.

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The backbone of each molecule is composed of alternating sugars (the pentagon with "S") and each sugar is also covalently bonded with one of the following nucleotide bases:

 

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