Gene Expression And Protein Synthesis By: Faye And Josh

Mutagens are indeed chemicals that can cause mutations. Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence, and mutagens can induce these changes by altering the DNA structure or interfering with the DNA replication process. Exposure to mutagens can lead to genetic mutations, which can have various effects on an organism's traits and health. Therefore, the statement "Mutagens are chemicals that cause mutation" is true.

Gene expression refers to the process by which a gene is activated to produce a specific protein. It involves both transcription, where the DNA sequence of the gene is copied into RNA, and translation, where the RNA is used as a template to synthesize a protein. Gene expression is a fundamental process in living organisms and is tightly regulated to ensure the production of the right proteins at the right time and in the right amounts.

The anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides on a tRNA molecule that is complementary to a specific codon on the mRNA. During translation, the anticodon pairs up with the codon, ensuring that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain. This recognition and pairing between the anticodon and codon is crucial for the accurate translation of the genetic code.

Transcription is the correct answer because it refers to the process of copying the information encoded in a DNA molecule to an mRNA molecule. During transcription, an enzyme called RNA polymerase binds to the DNA template strand and synthesizes a complementary mRNA strand. This allows the genetic information stored in the DNA to be transferred to the mRNA, which can then be used as a template for protein synthesis during translation.

Genetic engineering is indeed the process of inserting genes into cells. This technique allows scientists to modify the genetic material of an organism, either by adding new genes or by altering existing ones. By doing so, they can enhance certain traits or characteristics, create new organisms with desired traits, or study the function of specific genes. Therefore, the statement "Genetic engineering is the process by which genes are inserted into cells" is correct.

A codon is a sequence of three bases on mRNA that determines the specific amino acid that the tRNA molecule brings to the site of protein synthesis. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid, allowing the correct sequence of amino acids to be assembled during translation. The codon acts as a "code" that instructs the ribosome to add a particular amino acid to the growing protein chain. Therefore, the codon is responsible for the accurate translation of the genetic code into a functional protein.

Gene therapy is indeed a technique whereby a missing gene is replaced using a viral vector. Viral vectors are modified viruses that are used to deliver the correct version of a gene into a patient's cells. This technique is used to treat genetic disorders by replacing or repairing the faulty gene responsible for the condition. The viral vector acts as a delivery system, carrying the correct gene into the patient's cells and allowing them to produce the missing protein. Therefore, the statement is true.

Enhancers are nucleotide sequences that are located far away from the transcription sites. They bind to transcription factors, which are proteins that help initiate and regulate the transcription process. By binding to transcription factors, enhancers can increase the level of transcription, resulting in higher gene expression. Promoters, on the other hand, are sequences that are located near the transcription start site and are responsible for initiating transcription. Therefore, the correct answer is enhancer.

Ex vivo refers to a process where a biological sample is taken out of the organism, manipulated or treated in some way, and then returned back to the organism. In the context of the given statement, it means that the patient's cells or tissues are taken outside of their body, exposed to the virus, and then reintroduced back into the patient. The correct answer is false because in ex vivo, the patient is not given the virus directly, but rather their cells or tissues are exposed to the virus outside of their body.

The term "genetic code" refers to the correspondence between a codon (a sequence of three nucleotides) and an amino acid. This code is used by cells to translate the information encoded in DNA into the production of specific proteins. Each codon represents a specific amino acid or a stop signal, and the genetic code provides the rules for this translation process. Therefore, "genetic code" is the correct answer as it accurately describes the relationship between codons and amino acids.

Promoters are DNA sequences that initiate the transcription process, allowing RNA polymerase to bind and start transcribing DNA into RNA. Promoters are typically located upstream of the gene they regulate and contain specific sequences that are recognized by transcription factors. These sequences, known as initiator and conserved sequences, are essential for the proper functioning of the promoter. Therefore, the answer "Promoter" is correct as it accurately describes the DNA sequence that has initiator and conserved sequences.

In protein synthesis, each amino acid needs to be activated before it can be incorporated into a growing polypeptide chain. This activation process involves the amino acid reacting with a molecule of ATP, which forms a high-energy bond between the amino acid and the ATP. This high-energy bond is necessary for the subsequent elongation of the polypeptide chain during protein synthesis. Therefore, the correct answer is "Activation".

A gene is a segment of a DNA molecule that carries the sequence of bases that directs the synthesis of a specific RNA molecule. This RNA molecule can be mRNA, which then specifies the synthesis of a specific protein. Genes are responsible for transmitting inherited traits and are the basic units of heredity.

Translation is the correct answer because it refers to the process in which the information encoded in an mRNA molecule is used to assemble a specific protein. During translation, the mRNA molecule is read by ribosomes, and the sequence of nucleotides is translated into a sequence of amino acids, which then form a protein. This process is essential for gene expression and is a key step in protein synthesis.

This statement is false because in vivo refers to experiments or processes that are conducted within a living organism. In this case, the statement suggests that cells are removed from a patient, given the missing gene, and then returned to the patient. However, this process would be considered ex vivo, as the cells are removed from the organism and manipulated outside of it before being reintroduced.