AP Biology Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation — Mind Map

Covers DNA replication, transcription, translation, the genetic code, gene regulation (operons in prokaryotes, transcription factors in eukaryotes), mutations and their consequences, and core biotechnology techniques (PCR, gel electrophoresis, recombinant DNA, CRISPR).

Gene Expression and Regulation
- Genetic Material
  - DNA Structure
    - Double Helix
    - Antiparallel Strands
    - Deoxyribose Sugar
    - Bases: A, T, C, G
  - RNA Structure
    - Single Stranded
    - Ribose Sugar
    - Bases: A, U, C, G
- DNA Replication
  - Semiconservative Model
  - 5' to 3' Direction
  - Enzymes
    - Helicase: Unwinds DNA
    - Topoisomerase: Relieves strain
    - DNA Polymerase: Adds nucleotides
    - Ligase: Joins fragments
    - Primase: Adds RNA primers
  - Strands
    - Leading: Continuous
    - Lagging: Okazaki fragments
- Gene Expression Process
  - Transcription
    - RNA Polymerase
    - Promoter Region
    - mRNA Synthesis
  - RNA Processing
    - Intron Excision
    - Exon Splicing
    - 5' GTP Cap
    - Poly-A Tail
  - Translation
    - Ribosomes
    - tRNA and Anticodons
    - Codons
    - Polypeptide Chain
- Regulation of Expression
  - Prokaryotic (Operons)
    - Inducible: Lac Operon
    - Repressible: Trp Operon
    - Operator and Repressor
  - Eukaryotic
    - Chromatin Accessibility
    - Histone Acetylation
    - DNA Methylation
    - Transcription Factors
    - miRNA Degradation
- Mutations
  - Types
    - Silent: No change
    - Missense: Different amino acid
    - Nonsense: Stop codon
    - Frameshift: Insertion/Deletion
  - Functional Effects
    - Loss-of-function
    - Gain-of-function
    - Null alleles
- Biotechnology Tools
  - PCR: DNA Amplification
  - Gel Electrophoresis: Separation
  - DNA Sequencing
  - Bacterial Transformation