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PRE-MEDICAL
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PRE- MEDICAL DIVISION
PROTOPLASM
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PROTOPLASM
INTRODUCTION :
Fluid along with all the structures of cell bounded within the limits of cell membrance, is known as
protoplasm. So protoplasm includes plasma membrane, cytoplasm and Nucleus. Protoplasm of a single cell
is called Protoplast (wall less cell).
Origin of the word protoplasm has taken from a greek work (Protos = first, Plasma = organisation).
Protoplasm was first observed by Corti, 1772.
Felix Dujardin, 1835 observed jelly like substance in animal cells (protozoa) and gave the name ‘Sarcode’.
J.E. Purkinje, 1840 observed similar substance in plant cells and coined the term ‘Protoplasm’.
Hugo Van Mohl, 1846 studied the nature of protoplasm present in the embryonic cell of plants and
explained the importance of protoplasm in the cell division.
Max schultze, 1861 established similarity between sarcode and protoplasm. Schultz proposed protoplasm
theory (name given by O. Hertwig). Max schultze firstly told that protoplasm is physical basis of life.
(3) Size of colloidal particles (0.001 to 0.1 m) is between true solution and suspension.
(4) Colloidal systems composed of two stages. (i) Dispersion phase or continuous form or intermicelleus and
(ii) Dispersed phase or discontinuous phase or Micellus
TYPE OF COLLOIDS :
On the basis of dispersion and dispersed phases there are four types of colloids -
(i) Sol = Dispersion phase is liquid and dispersed phase is solid. In sol stage, protoplasm is less viscous.
Protoplasm in sol stage occurs in majority of living cells.
(ii) Gel = Dispersion phase is solid and dispersed phase is liquid. Protoplasm is more viscous e.g. Skin Cells.
(iii)Emulsion - Both stages are liquid i.e. fluid colloidal particles are dispersed in a liquid matrix e.g. blood
plasma composed of both sol and emulsion.
(iv)Aerosol - solid particles remain suspended in gas e.g. smoke. Aerosol does not occur in living system.
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(16)pH = 6-8
(17)Refractive index = 1.4
(1) Protoplasm has motion because of cyclosis, amoeboid and Brownian movement. These movements
depend on age of cells, amount of water, genetic factors and chemical composition of protoplasm.
(2) Protoplasm exhibits irritability when provided stimuli.
Sensitivity of protoplasm to external stimuli is called irritability. Transmission of stimuli from one place
to another is called conductivity.
Besides irritability, conductivity also occurs in protoplasm of many cells e.g. Nerve cells, muscle cells etc.
(3) Different chemical reactions takes place in protoplasm. Constructive reactions are called Anabolic
processes like synthesis of different types of biomolecules. Destructive reaction like oxidation of food
called catabolic processes. Anabolic and Catabolic Processes collectively called metabolism.
(4) Protoplasm has the capacity to take external material and resynthesize them in a new form (assimillation).
(5) Respiration and excretion.
Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen and Nitrogen from the 96% part of protoplasm.
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Rest of the elements of protoplasm occur in very small quantity (0.756%). These are, therefore called Trace
elements. These includes Copper, Cobalt, Manganese, Zinc, Boron, Vanadium, Chromium, Tin, Silicon,
Fluorine, Molybdenum, Nickel, Selenium, Arsenic.
COMPOUNDS OF PROTOPLASM :
Although some elements occurs in protoplasm as free ions but mostly two or more elements are variously
combined to form different kinds of compounds.
Inorganic compounds :
1. Water = 70-90 %
2. Salt, acids, bases, gases = 1-3%
Organic Compounds :
1. Proteins = 7-14%
2. Lipids = 1-3 %
3. Carbohydrates = 1-2%
4. Nucleic acids, enzymes and other = 1-3%
WATER :
(1) It is a Best solvent in nature, it forms the matrix of protoplasm. All other constituents of protoplasm are
its solutes.
(2) Being an ideal dispersion medium, it causes Brownian movement of colloid particles, resulting into
their collision and mutual bombardment. This facilities relativity between the various compounds
necessary for maintaining protoplasm in live state.
(3) It causes streaming or cyclosis in protoplasm, facilitating its chemical exchange with the environment
and transportation of solutes from one part to the others.
(4) It itself participates in certain types of chemical reactions, particularly in the hydrolytic breakdown of
complex compounds.
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(5) Having a high specific heat, it minimizes temperature variations and thus protects protoplasm against
ill effects of sudden rise or fall of temperature in the environment.
(6) Of total water, 95% water is free water and 5% water occurs as bound water.
(7) Water – Human body – 65-70% of total body weight.
(8) Human body = 40 litre :
55% (22 litre) – intracellular fluid
45% (18 litre) – extracellular fluid
(9) Animal kingdom – Hardest material : Enamel
(10) Plant kingdom – Hardest material : Sporopollenin
SALTS :
(1) Salts in protoplasm occur in ionised form. These ions are responsible for electric conductivity,
rendering protoplasm irritable and response to environmental changes.
(2) These provides linkage or chemical bonds in many chemical reactions. Such type of linkage called
Salt linkage''.
(3) Some metallic and other ions such as Mg, Fe, Zn, Mo, Mn etc. act as cofactors in enzymatic activitites.
(4) These regulate the osmotic pressure and chemical exchange of protoplasm from its environement.
(5) Some ions also act as co-factor :
Zn+2 – carbonic anhydrase Fe+2 – Aconitase, catalase
Cu+2 – Tyrosinase [CBSE 2004] Mo – Nitrogenase
+2
Mg – Co-factor of many respiratory enzymes like Kinase, Enolase, Dehydrogenase
Ni – Urease enzyme
(6) Some other functions of ions :
Na+ , K+ ions – Nerve induction
Ca+2 , Mg+2 ions – Muscles contractions, Reduce more excitability of nerves and muscle.
Ca+2 ion – Blood clotting, Bone formation
– Most abundant mineral element in animal body
+ +
Na , K ions – Main component of ringer solution.
K+ ion – Helpful in seismonastic movement, stomatal opening and closing.
CO 2
R.Q. = R .Q.
O2
Compounds of carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen with ratio of H and O is 2 : 1, so they are also called
hydrates of carbon.
Generalised formula of carbohydrates is Cx(H2O)y.
Simple carbohydrates which are soluble in water and sweet in taste are called ''Sugar''.
Carbohydrates are main source of energy in body. In a normal man 55-56% of energy is available
to him in the form of carbohydrates present in his diet.
CLASSIFICATION OF CARBOHYDRATES :
A. Monosaccharides : -
(i) They are simplest sugars which can not be further hydrolysed.
(ii) In their generalized formula x is always equal to y i.e. number of Carbon and Oxygen atoms same.
(iii) First step of oxidation – Phosphorylation
(iv) All monosaccharides occur in d and form, except the DHAP.
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Epimer : Isomer formed as result interchange of the –OH and –H groups on carbon atom 2,3 and 4 of
glucose, are know as epimer.
Epimer of Glucose :
Mannose (Difference on C2 carbon)
Galactose (Difference on C4 carbon)
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CLASSIFICATION OF MONOSACCHARIDE
No. of Name of group Example
carbon
atom
Sugar Formula Aldose Ketose
Suffix ''ose'' Suffix – ''ulose''
3 Triose C3H6O3 Glyceraldehyde Dihydroxy acetone
4 Tetrose C4H8O4 Erythrose Erythrulose
Threose
5 Pentose C5H10O5 Ribose Ribulose
Xylose Xylulose
Arabinose
Deoxyribose (C5H10O4)
6 Hexose C6H12O6 Glucose, Galactose Fructose or
Mannose, Rhamnose Levulose
7 Heptose C7H14O7 Sedoheptose Sedoheptulose
On the basis of number of carbon atoms monosaccharides are classified in following groups.
(i) Trioses – C3H6O3 e.g. Glyceraldehyde and Dihydroxy acetone. PGAL and DHAP are percursors of all
other carbohydrates.
(ii) Tetroses – C4H8O4 e.g. Erythrose, Erythrulose
(iii) Pentoses – C5H10O5 e.g. Ribose, Ribulose, Xylulose, Arabinose, *Deoxyribose (C5H10O4)
(iv) Hexoses – C6H12O6 e.g. Glucose Fructose, Galactose, Mannose, *Rhamnose (C6H12O5)
(v) Heptose – C7H14O7 e.g. Sedoheptulose
Chemically all carbohydrates are polyhydroxy aldehyde or ketones.
Monosaccharides with free aldehyde group are termed as Aldoses (PGAL, Erythrose, Ribose, Arabinose,
Deoxyribose, Glucose, Galactose, Mannose).
While monosaccharides with free ketone group are called ketoses (DHAP, Erythrolose, Ribulose, Xylulose,
Fructose, Sedoheptulose).
All monosaccharides are ''reducing sugars'' as their free aldehyde or ketone groups are capable of reducing
Cu++ to Cu+.
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This property is the basis of Benedict's test or fehling's test used to detect the presence of glucose in urine.
Beside RNA ribose sugar is an important component of ATP, NAD, NADP and FAD
In deoxyribose the second carbon is devoid of oxygen atom
Arabinose occurs in ''Gum arabic''.
Glucose is dextrorotatory so it is called ''dextrose''
Glucose is found in grapes in abundant quantity so it is known as ''grape sugar''
Glucose is the main respiratory substrate in the body. Other types of hexose are converted into glucose by
liver.
Fructose is Laevorotatory so it is called ''Laevulose''
Fructose is found in honey and sweet fruits so it is called as ''Fruit Sugar''.
Fructose is the sweetest sugar.
Galactose is not found in free stage.
In mammalian body, galactose occurs as a part of milk sugar lactose.
Galactose is also found as a component of glycolipids (for e.g. cerebrosides) and pectin, Hemi cellulose
etc.
Mannose not found in free state.
Mannose occurs in albumin of egg and in wood as component of hemicellulose.
Most sweetest chemical substance is Thaumatine, Obtained from a bacteria Thaumatococcus danielli
Glucose is also known as blood sugar. Aspartame is most commonly used artificial sweetner.
Galactose is known brain-sugar
DERIVATIVES OF MONOSACCHARIDES :
(1) Amino sugars – Formed by the displacement of hydroxyl group from second carbon atom by amino
group e.g. Glucosamine, Galactosamine.
(2) Sugar alcohol – Aldehyde group (–CHO) of the sugar is changed to primary alcohol (–CH 2OH).
Sorbitol and Mannitol are respectively formed from glucose and mannose.
(3) Sugar acids – They are formed by the oxidation of terminal –CHO or –CH 2OH group of sugar to
produce carboxyl group –COOH e.g. Glucoronic acid, Galacturonic acid.
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(4) Glycoside – They are compounds formed by condensation reaction between a sugar (eg. glucose) and
hydroxyl group of another substance which may be a sugar, a sterole, methanol in presence of dry HCl.
They are acetel which can be hydrolysed by strong reagents like HCN, NH 2OH, C6H5NHNH2. They
cannot be hydrolysed in acidic condition. Streptomycin is a glycoside.
B. Oligo – Saccharides
Oligo – Saccharides are those carbohydrates which on hydrolysis yield 2 to 10 monosaccharide units
(monomers). In oligosaccharides, monosaccharides are linked together by glycosidic bonds. Aldehyde or
ketone group of one monosaccharide reacts with alcoholic group of another monosaccharide to form
glycosidic bond. One molecule of H2O eliminates during glycosidic bond formation (dehydration synthesis).
Direction of glycosidic bonds is usually 1'.4''.
Types of Oligosaccharides : -
(i) Disaccharides – composed of two monosaccharide units e.g. Maltose, Sucrose, Lactose, Trehalose.
All disaccharides are water soluble and sweet in taste, so they are known as sugar.
Glucose Fructose
Sucrose
Maltose is commonly called malt sugar. It is intermediate compound in starch digestion. Maltose has
1'-4'' glycosidic linkage between -D glucose and -D glucose
Lactose is milk sugar with -1'-4'' glycosidic linkage between glucose and galactose
Lactose is least sweetest sugar.
Maximum % of lactose = Human milk 7%
In plants transport of sugar is present in form of sucrose.
Sucrose is also known as invert sugar.
Sucrose is called Cane Sugar or Table Sugar or Commercial Sugar. Sucrose composed of -D Glucose
and fructose.
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Trehalose is present in haemolymph of insects. It has glycosidic linkage between two anomeric carbon
(-glucose and -Glucose).
C. Polysaccharides : -
Poly saccharides composed of large number of monosaccharide units.
Suffix '–an' added in their names and they are known as glycans.
Pentose polysaccharides are called pentosans for e.g.
Araban (from L-arabinose), xylan (from D-xylose), all these found in cell wall.
Hexose polysaccharides are called ''hexans'' . for e.g. mannan (from mannose) cellulose, starch etc.
Polysaccharides are insoluble in water and do not taste sweet.
All polysaccharide are non-reducing
Accroding to function, they are classified as nutritive and structural.
On structural basis polysaccharides are of two types.
(I) Homopolysaccharides : -
Composed of same monomers. Biologically important homopolysaccharides are as follows :
(a) Cellulose : - Linear polymer of -D-glucose units (6000 to 10,000) . It has 1'-4'' linkage. Partial
digestion yields a cellobiose units (Disaccharide).
Cellulose is main component of plant cell wall. In wood, cellulose is 50% and in cotton, it is 90%.
Most abundant organic molecule on earth.
In urochordates animals their occur cellulose like material and it is called ''Tunicine'' It is also called
animal cellulose.
It is also used to form Rayon fibre (Artificial silk).
(b) Starch – It is main stored food in plants. Starch is polymer of -D-glucose units. Starch consists of two
types of chains.
(i) Amylose – 250-300 glucose units are arranged in an unbranched chain by 1'-4'' linkage.
(ii) Amylopectin – A branched chain molecule. Approximately 30 glucose units are linked by -1' 4''
and -1', 6'' linkage.
Amylose gives blue colour with iodine.
Amylopectin gives red colour with iodine.
Starch present in potato contains 20% amylose and 80% amylopectin.
(c) Glycogen – storage form of carbohydrate in animals, storage region of glycogen is liver and muscles.
Storage of glycogen liver > muscle. Glycogen is also called as animal starch. Glycogen is highly
branched polymer of -D-glucose.
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Glycogen is formed by the 1'-4'' bond linkage at long chain and 1', 6'' bond linkage at branching
point.
Glycogen gives red colour with iodine.
Glycogen is store food of fungi.
(d) Chitin – Linear polymer of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine with -1', 4''-linkage.
N-acetyl D-glucosamine is an amino acyl (-NH-CO-CH 3) derivative of -D-glucose.
Chitin is an important component of exoskeleton of Arthropods and cell walls of fungi.
Second most abundant organic molecule on earth.
It is also called Fungal cellulose.
(e) Inulin – Linear polymer of fructose units linked with -1', 2'' bonds. Inulin is found in roots of Dahalia
and Artichoke. It is water soluble polysaccharide and it is used to know the glomerular filteration rate.
It is smallest storage polysaccharide.
(f) Dextrin – Dextrin is an intermediate substance in the digestion of glycogen and starch. By hydrolysis
of dextrin, glucose and maltose are formed. It also occurs as stored food in yeast and bacteria.
(II)Heteropolysaccharide –
Composed of different monosaccharide units.
(a) Hyaluronic acid – Found in vitreous humour, umbillical cord, joints and connective tissue in the
form of lubricating agent. It also occurs in animal cell coat as binding material (Animal cement).
(c) Heparin – It is anticoagulant of blood. Heparin is made up of D-glucuronic acid and N-sulphate
glucosamine arranged in alternate order
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Store material – Phytalophus (Ivory palm). Hemicellulose which is obtained from this plant is
white, hard and shiny and it is used to form billiard ball and artificial ivory.
MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDES :
Slimy polysaccharides with capacity to bind proteins and water are called mucopolysaccharides. In plants
mucilage is a common mucopolysaccharide formed of galactose and mannose units.
Hyaluronic acid, chondriotin, heparin are other examples.
SPECIAL POINTS :
1. Peptidoglycan – Present in cell wall of bacteria.
– Composed of N-acetyl Glucosamine + N-acetyl muramic acid + peptide chain of 4-5 amino acids.
2. Agar-Agar – It is a mucopolysaccharide which is obtained from some red algae – Gracilaria, Gelidium,
Chondrus. Its is composed of D-galactose and L-galactose unit and after every 10 th unit a sulphate group is
present it is used for preparing culture medium (1, 3 linkage)
LIPIDS :
Fat and its derivatives are combindly known as lipid.
Compounds of C, H, O but the ratio of Hydrogen and Oxygen is not 2 : 1. The amount of oxygen is
considerably very less.
Lipids are insoluble in water and soluble in organic solvents like acetones, chloroform, benzene, hot alcohol,
ether etc.
Lipids occur in protoplasm as minute globules.
In animals, fat present in subcutaneous layer and working as food reservior and shock-absorber.
Lipid require less space for storage as compare to carbohydrate because lipid molecule is hydrophobic and
condense.
Animal store maximum amount of food in the form of lipid.
Lipid provides maximum amount of metabolic water as compare to carbohydrate and protein on oxidation.
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e.g.
Bees Wax (Hexacosyl palmitate)
Carnauba (Myricyl cerotate)which occurs on leaves, stem and fruits.
Spermaceti in skull of whale and Dolphin.
Cerumen or ear wax – occurs in external auditory canal.
Lanoline or cholesterol ester – occurs in blood, sebum and gonadial ducts as lubricating agent.
It is also obtained from wool of sheep.
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Gangliosides – These occur in nerve ganglia and spleen. These also contain N-acetyl neurominic acid
and glucose beside other compounds.
(iii) Derived Lipids – Lipid derived from simple or conjugated lipid. Derived lipids are complex in
structure.
They are insoluble in water and soluble in organic solvents.
(A) Steroids – Steroids exhibit tetracyclic structure called ''Cyclo pentano perhydrophenanthrene
nucleus ''
SPECIAL POINTS :
Prostaglandins – It is Derived lipid. Prostaglandins are derivatives of PUFA (Polyunsaturated fatty acid)
They are helpful in contraction of uterus and fallopian tube, blood clotting, Muscle contraction.
PROTEINS :
Protein name is derived from a greek word which means '' holding first place '' (Berzelius and Mulder)
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Essential elements in protein are C, H, O, N,
Most of the proteins contain sulphur. In some proteins iodine, iron and phosphorus are present.
After water proteins are most abundant compounds in protoplasm. (7-14%)
Proteins are polymer of amino acid (Fisher and Hofmeister). There are approximately 300 amino acids
known to exist but only 20 types of amino acids are used in formation of proteins.
Each amino acid is amphoteric compound because it contains one weak acidic group –COOH and a weak
alkaline group –NH2
In protoplasm free amino acid occurs as ions (at iso electric point)
Iso electric point is that point of pH at which amino acids do not move in electric field.
Out of 20 amino acids, 10 amino acids are not synthesized in body of animals so they are must in diet.
These called Essential amino acid. e.g. Threonine, Valine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Lysine, Methionine,
Phenylalanine Tryptophan, arginine, Histidine. Arginine and Histidine are semi essential.
10 amino acids are synthesized in animal body so these called Non essential amino acids. for e.g.
Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Cysteine, Aspartic acid, Glutamic acid, Asparagine, Glutamine, Tyrosine,
Proline
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(i) Non-polar R group – Glycine, Alanine, Valine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Proline, Methionine, Phenyl
alanine, Tryptophan.
(ii) Polar but uncharged R group – Serine, Threonine, Cysteine, Tyrosine, Asparagine, Glutamine
(iii) Positively charge polar R-group – Lysine, Arginine, Histidine (Basic Amino acid)
(iv) Negatively charged polar R-group – Aspartic acid, Glutamic acid (Acidic Amino acid)
Except glycine, each amino acid has two enantiomeric isomers
Eukaryotic proteins have L-amino acid while D-amino acid occurs in bacteria and antibodies :
Amino acids join with peptide bond to form protein.
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Glycine is the simplest and tryptophan is complex Amino acid.
Cysteine, Cystine, Methionine are the sulphar containing Amino acid.
Phenyl alanine, Tyrosine, Tryptophan Amino acids are aromatic Amino acid.
Serine & Threonine are alcoholic amino acid.
Histidine, Proline & hydroxyproline are heterocyclic amino acid.
All the amino acids are laevo-rotatory, except Glycine which is non-rotatory.
Amino acids which participate in protein synthesis called protein Amino acid and which do not participate
called non-Protein.
.
eg. GABA, Ornithine, Citrulline.
Proline, Hydroxy proline contain imino group – NH instead of amino group so they are also called
|
imino acid.
Configuration of Protein Molecule –
(1) Primary configuration or structure – A straight chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds form
primary structure of proteins. This structure of protein is most unstable. Newly formed proteins on
ribosomes have primary structure .
(2) Secondary configuration – Protein molecules of sec. structure are spirally coiled. In addition to
peptide bond, amino acids are linked by hydrogen bonds form between oxygen of one amide group
and hydrogen of another amide group. This structure is of two types –
1
(i) –Helix – Right handed rotation of spirally coiled chain with approximately 3 amino acids in
2
each turn. This structure has intramolecular hydrogen bonding i.e. between two amino acids of
same chain e.g. Keratin, Myosin, Tropomyosin.
(ii) -Helix or pleated sheath structure – Protein molecule has zig – zag structure. Two or more
protein molecules are held together by intermolecular hydrogen bonding. e.g. fibroin (silk).
(3) Tertiary Structure – Protein of tertiary structure are highly folded to give a globular appearance. They
are soluble in water (colloid solution). This structure of protein has following bonds –
(i) Peptide bond = strongest bond in proteins.
(ii) Hydrogen bonds
(iii) Disulphide bond – These bonds form between – SH group of amino acid (Methionine, Cysteine).
These bonds are second strongest bond and stabilize tertiary structure of protein.
(iv) Hydrophobic bond – Between amino acids which have hydrophobic side chains for e.g. Aromatic
amino acid
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(v) Ionic bond – Formation of ionic bond occus between two opposite ends of protein molecule due
to electrostatic attraction
Majority of proteins and enzymes in protoplasm exhibit tertiary structure.
Quaternary Structure – Two or more poly peptide chains of tertiary structure unite by different
types of bond to form quaternary structure of protein. Different polypeptide chains may be similar
lactic - dehydrogenas or dissimilar types (Haemoglobin, insulin).
Quaternary structure is most stable structure of protein.
Significance of Structure of Protein –
The most important constituents of animals are protein and their derivatives. Proteins form approximately
15% of animal protoplasm. The physical and biological properties of proteins are
dependant upon their secondary and tertiary configurations. Protein is electrically charged because it has
– NH 3 and –COO– ionic components. In an acidic medium the –COO– group of protein converts in
COOH and the protein itself becomes positively charged. In contrast, in an alkaline medium the – NH 3
group of protein changes to – NH 2 + H2O and as a result it becomes negatively charged. Therefore, at a
specific pH a protein will possess an equal number of both negative and positive charges and it is at this
specific pH a protein becomes soluble.
If the pH changes towards either acidic or alkaline side, then the protein begins to precipitate. This
property of protein has great biological significance. The cytoplasm of cells of organisms has an
approximate pH of 7 but the pH of proteins present in it is about 6 and thus, the proteins are present in a
relatively alkaline medium. Therefore, the proteins are negatively charged and also are not in a fully
dissolved state. It is because of this insolubility, proteins form the structural skeleton of organismal
cells. Similarly, the pH of nucleoplasm is about 7 but the pH of proteins, namely, histones and
protamines, in it is relatively more. Therefore, as a result they are positively charged and do not remain
fully dissolved in the nucleoplasm forming minute organelles, the most important being the
chromosomes.
As has been described above, the structural units namely amino acids of proteins contain both a carboxyl
group (–COOH) or acidic group and an amino group (–NH 2) or alkaline group attached to the same
carbon atom. Therefore, proteins depending upon the pH of the medium can exhibit both alkaline and
acidic properties. Such compounds which exhibit both acidic and alkaline properties are called
amphoteric compounds or zwitter ions. In the protoplasm, this dual property of proteins is utilized for
neutralisation of strong acids and alkalis since the protein acts an an ideal buffer in either of the
situations.
Besides changes in pH, salts, heavy metals, temperature, pressure, etc. also cause precipitation of
proteins. Because of these changes, the secondary and tertiary configuration of proteins is destroyed and
many times the tertiary structured globular proteins become converted to secondary configuration
fibrous proteins . Such alternations in the physical state of proteins is called denaturation. If the change
in the medium of proteins is mild and for a short period, then denaturation of the proteins is also
temporary, however, if the change in medium is strong and prolonged then denaturation is permanent
and the protein becomes coagulated. For example, the white or albumen of egg is a soluble globular
protein but on heating it permanently coagulates into fibrous insoluble form. It is clear, that strong
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alternations result in the denaturation of proteins and they lose their biological properties and
significance. It is this reason, that cells of organisms are unable to bear strong changes and they
ultimately die.
TYPES OF PROTEINS :
Muco proteins have more than 4% Carbohydrate e.g. Mucoids of synovial fluid, Osteomucoprotein
of bones, Tendomucoprotein of tendons, Chodro mucoprotein of cartilage.
NUCLEIC ACIDS :
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION :
Meischer discovered nucleic acids in nucleus of pus cell and called it ''nuclein''. The name nucleic acid
proposed by ''Altaman''.
Nucleic acids are polymer of nucleotides.
= Nitrogen base + pentose + phosphate
On the basis of structure nitrogen bases are broadly of two types :
1. Pyrimidines – Consist of one pyrimidine ring. Skeleton of ring composed of two nitrogen and four
Carbon atoms e.g. Cytosine, Thymine and Uracil.
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2. Purines – Consist of two rings i.e. one pyrimidine ring (2N + 4C) and one imidazole ring (2N + 3C)
e.g. Adenine and Guanine.
Pentose Sugar :-
Nitrogen base forms bond with first carbon of pentose sugar to form a nucleoside. Nitrogen of first place
(N1) forms bond with sugar in case of Pyrimidines while in purines nitrogen of ninth place (N9) forms bond
with sugar.
Phosphate forms ester bond (covalent bond ) with fifth carbon of sugar to form a complete nucleotide.
DNA :
Discovered by – Meischer
DNA term given by – Zacharis
In DNA pentose sugar is deoxyribose sugar and four types of nitrogen bases A, T, G, C
Wilkins and Franklin studied DNA molecule with the help of X-Ray crystallography.
With the help of this study, Watson and Crick (1953) proposed a double helix molel for DNA. For this
model Watson, Crick and Wilkins were awarded by noble prize in 1962.
According to this model, DNA is composed of two polynucleotide chains.
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Both polynucleotide chains are complementary and antiparallel to each other.
In both strand of DNA direction of phosphodiester bond is opposite. i.e. If direction of phosphodiester bond in
one strand is 5'-3' then it is 3'-5' in another strand.
Both strand of DNA held together by Hydrogen bonds. These hydrogen bond are present between Nitrogen
bases of both strand.
Adenine binds to Thymine by two hydrogen bonds and cytosine binds to Guanine by three hydrogen bonds.
chargaff's equivalency rule – In a double stranded DNA amount of purine nucleotides is equal to amount
of pyrimidine nucleotides.
Purine = Pyrimidine
[A] + [G] = [T] + [C]
[A] [G]
1
[T] [C]
AT
Base ratio = = constant for a given species.
GC
In a DNA A + T > G + C A – T type DNA. Base ratio of A – T type of DNA is more than one. eg.
Eucaryotic DNA
In a DNA G + C > A + T G – C type DNA. Base ratio of G –C type of DNA is less than one. eg.
Procaryotic DNA
Melting point of DNA depends on G – C contents.
More G – C contents then more Melting point.
Tm = Temperature of melting.
Tm = of prokaryotic DNA > Tm of Eucaryotic DNA
DNA absorbs U.V. rays means 2600Å wavelength.
Out of two strand of DNA only one strand participates in transcription, it is called Antisense strand/ Non
coding strand/Template strand.
Other strand of DNA which does not participate in transcription is called sense strand/Coding strand.
Denaturation and renaturation of DNA – If a normal DNA molecule is placed at high temperature
(80 – 90°C) then both strand of DNA will separate to each other due to breaking of hydrogen bonds. It is
called DNA-denaturation.
When denatured DNA molecule is placed at normal temperature then both strand of DNA attached and
recoiled to each other. It is called Renaturation of DNA.
Hyperchromicity – When a double stranded DNA is denatured by heating then denatured DNA molecule
absorbs more amount of light, this phenomenon is called hyperchromicity.
Hypochromicity – When denatured DNA molecule cool slowly then it becomes double stranded and it
absorb less amount of light. This phenomenon is called hypochromicity.
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Distance between two successive steps is 3.4Å. In one complete turn of DNA molecule there are such
10 steps (10 pairs of nitrogen bases.) So the length of one complete turn is 34Å. This is called helix length.
Diameter of DNA molecule i.e. distance between phosphates of two strands is 20Å.
Distance between sugar of two strands is 11.1 Å.
Length of hydrogen bonds between nitrogen bases is 2.8-3.0 Å. Angle between nitrogen base and C1
Carbon of pentose is 51°.
Molecular weight of DNA is 106 to 109 dalton.
In nucleus of eukaryotes the DNA is associated with histone protein to form nucleoprotein. Histone occupies
major groove of DNA at 30° angle.
Bond between DNA and Histone is salt linkage (Mg+2).
DNA in chromosomes is linear while in prokaryotes, mitochondria and chloroplast is circular.
In × 174 bacteriophage the DNA is single stranded and circular isolated by Sinsheimer.
G–4, S–13, M–13, F1 and Fd–Bacteriophages also contain ss–circular DNA.
Types of DNA
On the basis of direction of twisting, there are two types of DNA.
1. Right Handed DNA –
Clockwise twisting e.g. The DNA for which Watson and Crick proposed model was 'B' DNA. Other e.g.
of right handed DNA
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C C G G TAC C G G
G G C CATG G C C
–
Sequence of nucleotides same from both ends.
Special Points :
DNA molecule is Dextrorotatory while RNA molecule is Laevorotatory.
C–value = Total amount of DNA in a haploid genome of organism.
Types of RNA :
1. Genetic RNA or Genomic RNA - In the absence of DNA, sometime RNA working as genetic material and
genomic RNA transfer informations from one generation to next generation.
eg. Reo virus, TMV, QB bacteriophage.
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3 end is known as Acceptor end.
t-RNA accepts amino acids at acceptor points. Amino acids binds to 3 end by its –COOH group.
The molecule of t-RNA is folded and due to folding some complementary nitrogenous bases comes across
with each other and form hydrogen bonds.
There are some places where hydrogen bonds are not formed, these places are known as loop.
Loops –
There are some abnormal nitrogenous bases in the loops, that is why hydrogen bonds are not formed.
e.g. Inosine (I) Pseudouracil () Dihydrouridine (DHU)
On the basis of Anticodon, there are total 61 types of t-RNA, or, we can also say that there are 61 types of
Anticodon.
The anticodon of t-RNA recognizes its complementary sequence on m-RNA. This complimentary sequence
is known as codon.
It is also known as Amino-acyl synthetase recognition loop. Amino-acyl synthetase is a specific type of
enzyme. The function of this enzyme is to activate a specific type of amino acid. After activation this
enzyme attaches the aminoacid to the 3 end of t-RNA.
The function of DHU loop is to recognize this specific Aminoacyl synthetase enzyme.
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The m-RNA is produced by genetic DNA in the nucleus. This process is known as Transription.
D.N.A REPLICATION :
D.N.A. is the only molecule capable of self duplication so it is termed as a ''Living molecule''
All living beings have the capacity to reproduce because of this characteristic of D.N.A.
D.N.A replication takes place in '''S - Phase'' of the cell cycle. At the time of cell division, it divides in equal
parts in the daughter cells. Delbruck suggested three methods of DNA-replication i.e.
(1) Dispersive
(2) Conservative
(3) Semi-conservative
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SEMI CONSERVATIVE MODE OF D.N.A. REPLICATION :
Semi conservative mode of D.N.A. replication was first theoritically proposed by Watson & Crick. Later
on it was experimentally proved by Meselson & Stahl (1958) on E-Coli and Taylor on Vicia faba. To
prove this method , they used Radiotracer Technique in which Radioisotops are used. Meselson and Stahl
used N15 and Cairns (1963) used radioactive Thymidine (with H3).
Due to the replication of active Thymidine containing D.N.A., two D.N.A. molecules were obtained in
which 50% radioactivity was found.
When these two D.N.A. molecules containing active Thymidine were made to replicate, the next time four
D.N.A. molecules were obtained. Out of these 4 D.N.A., 2 D.N.A. molecules were radioactive and
remaining 2 were not radioactive.
In the same sequence, the obtained D.N.A. molecules were further made to replicate then also, the no. of
radioactive D.N.A remains 2.
(1) Unzipping –
The separation of 2 chains of D.N.A. is termed as unzipping and it takes place due to the braking of H
bonds. The process of unzipping starts at a certain specific point which is termed as initiation point or
origin of replication . In procaryotes there occur only one origin of replication but in eucaryotes there occur
many origin of replication i.e. unzipping starts at many points simultaneously.
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The enzyme responsible for unzipping (breaking the hydrogen bonds) is Helicase (= Swivelase). In the
process of unzipping Mg+2 act as cofactor. Unzipping takes place in alkaline medium.
At the place of origin, the topoisomerase enzyme (a type of endonuclease) induces a cut in one strand of
DNA (Nicking) to relax the two strands of DNA.
A protein, ''Helix destabilizing protein'' prevents recoiling of two separated strands during the process of
replication. An another protein SSB (single stranded DNA binding protein) prevents the formation of bends of
loops in separated strands.
DNA-Gyrase – A type of topoisomerase prevent supercoiling of DNA.
Note –
The process of D.N.A replication takes a few minutes in prokaryotes and few hours in Eukaryotes.
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(3) DNA - Polymerase III : This is the main enzyme in DNA – Replication . It is most important. It was
discovered by Delucia and Cairns. The larger chains are formed by this enzyme. This is also known as
Replicase.
DNA – polymerase III is a complex enzyme composed of seven polypeptides , , , , , , 2.
In Eucaryotes, there occur five types of DNA-polymerase enzyme.
SPECIAL POINT :
All DNA polymerase I, II and III enzymes have 5-3polymerisation activity and 3-5exonuclease activity.
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E.coli CONTAINING
15
E.coli GROWN IN N TRANSFERRED IN AFTER 1
st
AFTER 2
nd
15 14
N MEDIUM N MEDIUM REPLICATION REPLICATION
15
N 14 14
MEDIUM E. Coli N MEDIUM N MEDIUM
DENSITY
DNA IN
CENTIRIFUGED 14
N DNA
TUBES
15 14 15 14
N N N N
DNA DNA
14
DNA N
HYBRID
15
15
N 14 (ONE STRAND N)
N
FIRST GENERATION SECOND GENERATION
(C1) (D1 )
Fig. MESELSON AND STAHL’S EXPERIMENT
TRANSCRIPTION :
Formation of RNA over DNA templet is called transcription. Out of two strand of DNA only one strand
participates in transcription and called ''Antisense strand''.
The segment of DNA involved in transcription is ''Cistron''.
RNA polymerase enzyme involved in transcription. In eukaryotes there are three types of RNA polymerases.
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Prokaryotes have one type of RNA polymerase which synthesizes all types of RNAs.
RNA polymerase of E. Coli has six polypeptide chains , , , and .
polypeptide chain is also known as factor (sigma factor).
Core enzyme + Sigma factor RNA Polymerase
(, , , ) + ()
Following steps are present in transcription –
(1) INITIATION –
DNA has a ''Promoter site or initiation site'' where transcription begins and a ''Terminator site'' where
transcription stops.
Sigma factor () recognizes the promoter site of DNA.
With the help of sigma factor RNA polymerase attached to a specific site of DNA called ''Promoter site'' .
In prokaryotes before the 10 N2 base from ''Structural site'' a sequence of 6 base pairs (TATAAT) is
present on DNA, Which is called ''Pribnow box''.
In eukaryotes before the 20 N2 base from ''Structural site'' a sequence of 7 base pairs (TATAAA) or
(TATATAT) is present on DNA which is called ''TATA box or Hogness box''
At promoter site RNA polymerase enzyme breaks H-bonds between two DNA strands and separates them
One of them strand takes part in Transcription. Transcription proceeds in 5 3direction.
Ribonucleotide triphosphate come to lie opposite complementary nitrogen bases of anti sense strand.
These Ribonucleotides present in the form of triphosphate ATP, GTP, UTP and CTP in nucleoplasm. When
they used in transcription, pyrophosphates hydrolyse two phosphates from each activated nucleotide. This
releases energy.
This energy used in process of transcription.
(2) ELONGATION –
RNA polymerase enzyme establishes phosphodiester bond between adjacent ribonucleotides.
Sigma factor separates and core enzyme moves along the anti sense strand till it reaches terminator site.
(3) TERMINATION –
When RNA polymerase enzyme reaches at terminator site, it separates from DNA templet.
In most cases RNA polymerase enzyme can recognize the ''Terminator site'' and stop the synthesis of RNA
chain, but in prokaryotes, it recognizes the terminator site with the help of Rho factor ( factor).
Rho () factor is a specific protein which helps RNA polymerase enzyme to recognize the terminator site.
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PROTEIN-SYNTHESIS :
(1) Activation of Amino acid –
20 types of amino acid participate in protein synthesis.
Amino acid reacts with ATP to form ''Amino acyl AMP enzyme complex'', which is also known as
'Activated Amino acid.'
Amino acyl
Amino acid ATP Amino acyl enzyme complex PP
t RNA synthetase
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There is a separate 'Amino acyl t-RNA synthetase' enzyme for each kind of amino acid.
This "30 'S' m–RNA – complex" reacts with 'Formyl methionyl t-RNA–complex' and "30 'S'
mRNA –Formyl methionyl t-RNA–complex" form. This t–RNA attaches with codon part of m–RNA.
A GTP molecule is required.
30 ' S' m RNA complex Formyl methionyl t RNA complex
IF2, IF3
GTP Mg 2
Now larger sub unit of ribosome (50'S' Sub unit) joins this complex. The initiation factor released and
complete 70 'S' ribosome is formed.
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In larger sub unit of ribosome there are three sites for t-RNA
'P' site = Peptidyl site
'A' site = amino acyl site
E-site = exit site
Starting codon of m-RNA is near to 'P' site of ribosome, so t-RNA with formyl methionine amino acid
first attached to 'P' site of ribosome and next codon of m-RNA is near to 'A' site of ribosome. So new
t-RNA with new amino acid always attach at 'A' site of ribosome but in initiation step 'A' site is empty
Peptidyl transferase enzyme induces the formation of peptide bond. In Peptide bond formation, a
23 'S' r-RNA, 28 'S' r-RNA in eukaryotes is also helpful. This r-RNA acylt acts as an enzyme so it is
also called "Ribozyme"
After formation of peptide bond t-RNA of P site released from ribosome via E-site and dipeptide
attaches with A site.
Now ribosome slides over m-RNA strand in 5' 3" direction. Due to sliding of ribosome on m-RNA,
new condon of m–RNA continously available at A site of ribosome and according to new codon of
m-RNA new amino acid attaches in polypeptide chain.
Translocase enzyme helpful in movement of ribosome. GTP provides energy for sliding of ribosome.
In elongation process some protein factors are also helpful, which known as 'Elongation factors'
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GENETIC CODE :
Term Given by George Gamow.
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The relationship between the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain and nucleotide sequence of
DNA or m-RNA is called genetic code.
There occur 20 types of amino acids which participate in protein synthesis. DNA contains information for
the synthesis of any types of polypeptide chain. In the process of transcription, information transfer from
DNA to m-RNA in the form of complementary N2-base sequence.
m-RNA contains code for each amino acid and it is called codon. A codon is the nucleotide sequence in
m-RNA which codes for particular amino acid ; wherease the genetic code is the sequence of nucleotides
in m-RNA molecule, which contains information for the synthesis of polypeptide chain.
Triplet Code –
The main problem of genetic code was to determine the exact number of nucleotide in a codon which codes
for one amino acid.
There are four types of N2-bases in m-RNA (A, U, G, C) for 20 type amino acids.
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Fig : Triplet codons of mRNA for amino acids represented in tabular form.
If genetic code is singlet i.e. codon is the combination of only one nitrogen base, then only four codons are
possible A, C, G and U. These are insufficient to code for 20 types amino acids.
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Gamow –
(1954) Pointed out the possibility of three letter code (Triplet code).
Genetic code is triplet i.e. one codon consists of three nitrogen base.
Triplet code = 43 = 4 × 4 × 4 = 64 codons
In this case there occurs 64 codons in dictionary of genetic code.
64 codons are sufficient to code 20 types of amino acids.
(3) Non-Ambiguous –
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Genetic code is non ambiguous i.e. one codon specifies only one amino acid and not any other.
In this case one codon never code two different amino acids. Exception GUG codon which code both valine
and methionine amino acid.
(4) Non-Overlapping –
A nitrogen base is a constituent of only one codon.
Exception –
Different Codon –
Normally UAA and UGA are chain termination codon but in Paramecium and some other ciliated, UAA and
UGA code for glutamine amino acid.
Mitochondrial Gene –
Normally AGG and AGA code for Arginine amino acid but in human mitochondria these function as stop
codon.
UGA, a termination codon corresponds to tryptophan while AUA (Codon for isoleucine) denotes methionine
in human mitochondria.
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WOBBLE HYPOTHESIS :
It was propounded by CRICK.
Normally an anticodon recognizes only one codon, but sometimes an anticodon recognise more than one
codon. This known as Wobbling. Wobbling normally occurs for third nucleotide of codon.
For e.g. Anticodon AAG can recognize two anticodons i.e. UUU and UUC, both stand for phenyl alanine.
(2) Polycistronic – The m-RNA, in which genetic signal is present for the formation of more than one polypeptide
chains.
Non sense codons are found in middle position in polycistronic m-RNA.
CENTRAL DOGMA :
Central dogma term was given by Crick.
The formation (production) of m-RNA from DNA and then synthesis of protein from it, is known as
Central Dogma.
Transcription Translation
DNA RNA Protein
Reverse Transcription –
The formation of DNA from RNA is known as Reverse - transcription. It was discovered by Temin and
Baltimore in Rous – sarcoma virus. So it is also called Teminism.
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ss-RNA of Rous-Sarcoma virus (Retro virus) produces ds-DNA in host's cell with the help of enzyme
reverse transcriptase (DNA Polymerase). This DNA is called c-DNA (Complimentary DNA). Some times
this DNA moves in host genome. Such mobile DNA is called ''Retroposon'' (Oncogene).
SPECIAL POINTS :
(1) The chargraff's rule is not valid (true) for RNA. It is valid only for double helical DNA.
(2) The duplication of DNA was first of all proved in E. coli bacterium.
(3) E. coli Bacterium is mostly used for the study of DNA duplication.
(4) Hargovind singh Khurana first of all recognized the triple codon for Cysteine and Valine amino acids
(5) Cytoplasmic DNA is 1-5% of total cells DNA.
(6) Three lady scientists named Avery, Mc–Leod and Mc Carty (by their transrformation experiments on
bacteria) proved that DNA is a genetic material.
(7) Hershey and chase first of all proved that DNA is genetic material in bacteriophages.
(8) Frankel and Conret proved, RNA as a genetic material in viruses (g-RNA).
(9)
(10) The structure formed by the combination of m-RNA and Ribosomes is known as polyribosomes /
Polysomes / Ergosomes.
(11) The formation of t-RNA takes place from the heterochromatin part of DNA.
(12) The formation of m-RNA takes place from the Euchromatin part of DNA.
(13) m-RNA is least stable. It is continuosly formed and finished.
(14) In cytoplasm, t-RNA is present in the form of soluble colloid
(15) Nucleases – These breaking enzyme of nucleic acids are of two types.
(i) Endo – Nucleases – These break down the nucleic acids from the inside.
(ii) Exo-nucleases – These break down the nucleic acids from the ends (terminals ends)
These separate each nucleotide
(16) Tay–Sachs–diseases
This disease takes place due to excess storage of glycolipids
(17)Excess storage of cerebrosides leads to Guacher's disease
mG 5capping
G-Cap
mG
A
A A
AA Polyadenylation
Poly A tail
mG AAAAA
Splicing
Splice site
mG AAAAA
Endonucleolytic
Cleavage at splice
junctions
mG AAAAA
SnRNP
Splicesome
mG AAAAA
Sealing by
Ligase
mG AAAAA
Mature m RNA
(19) Spilt gene : Discovered by sharp and Roberts in Adenovirus 2 They were awarded by Nobel Prize in
1993. Gene which contains non functional part along with functional part is known as split gene. Non
functional part is called intron and functional part is called exon. By transcription split gene produces a
RNA which contains coding and non coding sequence and called hn RNA (Hetero genous nuclear RNA)/
This hn RNA is unstable. Now 200 nucletides of adenylic acid are added to its 3' end, which is called poly
'A' tail. Now it becomes stable. 7 methyl guanosine is also added to its 5' end a cap like structure is formed.
It is called capping. By the process of RNA splicing hn-RNA produces functional RNA that is exonic
RNA. In RNA splicing non coding parts removed with the help of ribonuclease enzyme and coding part join
together with the help of RNA ligase. Some specific proteins are also helpful in RNA-splicing called 'Small
nuclear ribonucleoprotein' or 'SnRNP' or 'Snurps'. These SnRNP proteins combine with some other
proteins and SnRNA and form spliceosome complex. This spliceosome complex uses energy of ATP to cut
the RNA, releases the non-coding part and joins the coding-part to produce functional RNA.
Noncoding part of hn RNA remained inside the nucleus and not translated into protein. Only coding part
moves from nucleus to cytoplasm and translated into protein.
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Mostly prokaryotic genes are example of non split gene.
SPECIAL POINTS
In human mitochondria, 4 initiation codons present : AUG, AUA, AUU, AUC.
Higher Energy Nucleotide : Nucleotides which contain more than one phosphate i.e. ATP, ADP.
ATP : Discover-Karl Lohmann. It is made up by Adenine, D-Ribose and three phosphate. It is a high
energy compound that release energy when the bond between the phosphate is broken. In ATP two high
energy bonds are present. ATP is also called energy currency of cell.
Iodine number : It is the amount of iodine in gram absorbed by 100 gram fat. It is used to determine the
degree of unsaturation of fat
Second genetic code : Interaction between specific t-RNA and amino acyl synthetase enzyme is known as
second genetic code.
GLUT-4 (Glucose transport 4) Proteins : It is a transport protein that allows glucose to enter a cell.
GLUT-4 moves into the plasma membrane in response to insulin or muscle contraction. When amount of
glucose increased in blood, more insulin is secreted GLUT-4 then responds to the presence of the insulin and
enters the plasma membrane, allowing glucose to enter the cell.
DNA-quenching : Rapid cooling of denatured DNA, fix it in permanently denatured from, it is called DNA
quenching.
× 174 bacteriophage has 5386 nucleotides, -bacteriophage has 48502 base pairs, Escherichia coli has
4.6 × 106 base pair and 6.6 ×106 base pairs in human (2n).
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2-OH groups present at everynucleotide in RNA as reactive group and makes RNA labile and easily
degradable and RNA also has catalytic function so it is more reactive. DNA is chemically less reactive and
structurally more stable as compared to RNA.
DNA is more stable so preferred for storage of genetic information but for the transmission of genetic
information RNA is better.
An mRNA also have some additional sequences that are not translated and are referred as untranslated
regions (UTR). The UTRs are present at both 5'end (before start codon) and at 3' end (after stop codon).
Mic RNA : It is synthesized sometime on the sense of DNA which is complementary of Antisense strand
which is used for mRNA synthesis. Such RNA is used for regulation of gene expression at the level of
translation.
RNA Interference : It is a method of gene silencing. In this method a ds RNA is inserted in a cell and
enzyme Dicer break this ds RNA into small ds fragments of 20-25 base pairs with a few unpaired overhang
bases on each end. This short ds fragments are called small interfering RNA (si RNA). Now siRNA
associated with specific protein to form a complex RISC (RNA induced silencing complex). Now RISC
attached with targeted m-RNA and inhibit its translation.
For RNA-interference in Caenorhabditis elegans Andrew fire and Craig C. Mello got Noble Prize in 2006
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