CBSE Class 12 Biology – Molecular Basis of Inheritance

Chapter Overview

This chapter explores how genetic information is stored, replicated, and expressed. You’ll learn about DNA and RNA structures, proof that DNA is genetic material, semiconservative replication, central dogma (DNA → RNA → protein), and the molecular mechanisms underlying inheritance. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Important Keywords

• Gene: Functional unit of inheritance carried on DNA. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Central Dogma: Flow of information: DNA → RNA → protein. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Semiconservative Replication: Each daughter DNA has one old and one new strand. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Transcription: Synthesis of mRNA from DNA template. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Translation: Protein synthesis from mRNA on ribosomes. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Replication Fork: The site where DNA is unwound and replicated. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Mutation: Permanent changes in DNA sequence, source of variation. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}