Unit 3 of the CSIR-NET Life Sciences syllabus, Fundamental Processes, covers how cells copy DNA, make RNA and proteins, and control which genes are switched on. The official syllabus divides it into four parts. Below are our free, detailed notes for each, in syllabus order.
#1most-tested unit in 12 papers
10.2%of Part B + C questions
12.8questions in an average paper
8free lessons below
Unit 3 against the rest of the syllabus
Share of 1,497 Part B + C questions from 12 CSIR-NET papers, 2022 to 2025. Unit 3 is in orange.
Source: Lesson Basket’s CSIR-NET Life Sciences unit-wise weightage analysis. “12.8 questions” scales the share to the 125 Part B + C questions of an average paper.
A. DNA replication, repair and recombination
LessonDNA ReplicationRead notes →LessonMolecular Mechanisms of Recombination and DNA RepairRead notes →
B. RNA synthesis and processing
LessonTranscription and Gene RegulationRead notes →LessonRNA Processing and Post-Transcriptional RegulationRead notes →
C. Protein synthesis and processing
D. Control of gene expression at the transcription and translation level
LessonProkaryotic Gene RegulationRead notes →LessonEukaryotic Transcription Regulation and Epigenetic ModificationsRead notes →LessonEukaryotic Translational ControlRead notes →
Study orderWork through A to D in order. Replication and transcription come first because gene regulation in part D builds on both.
Related notes
Unit 3 PYQsCSIR-NET Molecular Biology PYQsAll 126 Unit 3 questions from 11 papers, 16 solved step by step.Practise the questions →Unit 8 linkMolecular Basis of Genetic MutationsLinks Unit 3 with mutation in Inheritance Biology.Read notes →MethodsRecombinant DNA technology notesFive lessons: cloning, vectors, libraries, transgenics and tissue culture.See all five →
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