1. Describe the classical scheme of gene expression from DNA to RNA to protein. 2. Explain DNA replication and recombination.

1. The central dogma of molecular biology is DNA >>transcription>> RNA >>translation>> protein

2.  DNA replication refers to the genetic process of generating two identical DNA molecules from one DNA sequence. Recombination refers to the exchange of genetic material (DNA) between non-sister chromatids during cell division (meiosis)

Explanation:

Gene expression (also known as transcription) is the process by which a specific fragment of DNA called gene is used as template to synthesize an RNA molecule, usually a messenger RNA (mRNA), which is in turn used as template to create a protein. This final product (i.e., the protein) has an effect on the phenotype of the individual. The DNA template is a single-stranded ordered polynucleotide chain composed of four different types of nitrogenous bases: Adenine, Thymine, Guanine and Cytosine. In the complementary RNA molecule, Thymine bases are replaced by Uracil bases. Moreover, DNA replication refers to the process by which cells duplicate their genetic material before cell division (either mitosis or meiosis). During this process, both DNA strands are separated and each one is used as a template to synthesize a new DNA molecule. Finally, recombination or crossing over is a process where non-sister chromatids exchange genetic material during meiosis I (Prophase I). Recombination is known to increase genetic variation in resulting meiotic cells.