Skip to main content
Super TutorResources
Chapter 5 of 13
QuestionsNotesFlashcardsSummaryFormulasQuizConceptsSyllabusPlan
Syllabus

Molecular Basis of Inheritance

CBSE · Class 12 · Biology

Complete topic list for Molecular Basis of Inheritance in CBSE Class 12 Biology. Key concepts, sub-topics, and what to focus on for board exams.

44 questions88 flashcards5 concepts

Interactive on Super Tutor

Studying Molecular Basis of Inheritance? Get the full interactive chapter.

Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan — built for syllabus and more.

Try Super Tutor — Free

1,000+ Class 12 students started this chapter today

A labeled diagram illustrating the Watson and Crick model of DNA, showing the double helical structure, antiparallel strands, sugar-phosphate backbone, nitrogenous base pairing (A-T, G-C) with hydroge
Super Tutor

This is just one of 22+ visuals inside Super Tutor's Molecular Basis of Inheritance chapter

Explore the full set
4 Topics · CBSE Class 12 Biology

Topics in Molecular Basis of Inheritance

1

1. DNA: Structure and Packaging

  • DNA is a long polymer of deoxyribonucleotides.
  • A nucleotide has three parts: a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar, and a phosphate group.
  • Purines are adenine and guanine.
2

2. Search for the Genetic Material

  • DNA was first identified as an acidic nuclear substance by Friedrich Meischer in 1869 and named Nuclein.
  • Frederick Griffith worked with Streptococcus pneumoniae S and R strains in 1928.
  • S strain is virulent and R strain is non-virulent.
3

3. DNA versus RNA and RNA World

  • DNA is more stable than RNA because it lacks the 2' OH group and contains thymine.
  • RNA has an extra 2' OH group, making it more reactive and less stable.
  • RNA acts as genetic material in some viruses such as TMV and QB bacteriophage.
4

4. DNA Replication

  • Watson and Crick proposed a copying mechanism based on complementary base pairing.
  • DNA replication is semiconservative.
  • Each daughter DNA molecule has one parental strand and one newly synthesised strand.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Molecular basis of inheritance explains how DNA and RNA store, copy, transmit, and express genetic information, and how this knowledge led to ideas such as the genetic code, gene regulation, the Human Genome Project, and DNA fingerprinting.

DNA as genetic materialRNA as genetic material and functional moleculeSearch for genetic materialReplicationTranscriptionGenetic codeTranslationRegulation of gene expression

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Molecular Basis of Inheritance for CBSE Class 12 Biology?
Molecular Basis of Inheritance covers several key topics that are frequently asked in CBSE Class 12 board exams. Focus on the core concepts listed on this page and practise related questions to build confidence.
How to score full marks in Molecular Basis of Inheritance — CBSE Class 12 Biology?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 44 practice questions available for this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly, and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

More resources for Molecular Basis of Inheritance

All 13 chapters — CBSE Class 12 Biology Syllabus

For serious students

Get the full Molecular Basis of Inheritance chapter — for free.

Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan for CBSE Class 12 Biology.

Try Super Tutor Free
Try the full chapter — Free