7A Genes and Chromosomes Flashcards
Explain what DNA is
DNA = a double-stranded nucleic acid chain made up of nucleotides. DNA carries the instructions for proteins which are required for cell and organism survival. DNA is genetic information (genome) and packaged into chromosomes
Explain what a gene is?
Gene = a section of DNA that carries a code to make a protein, they are the basic biological unit made up of specific sequence of deoxyribonucleic acids, they carry all of the genetic instructions .
Explain what an allele is?
Allele = alternate form of a gene
If all alleles are the same what are they called?
Homozygous – identical alleles
If the alleles are different, what are they called?
Heterozygous – different alleles
Explain what a genome is?
Genome = the entire set of genetic instructions of an organism.
Explain what a chromosome is? What are they made up of?
Chromosome = the structure made of protein and nucleic acids that carries genetic information, coiled and packaged DNA strands for cell division; each individual gene has its own gene locus on the chromosome. Made up of genes which are made up to DNA, which are made up of nucleotides
What is in a diploid cell? What is an example of a diploid cell?
Diploid = 2 sets of chromosomes,
A cell possessing two copies of each chromosome (human body cells).
What is a haploid cell? What is an example of a haploid cell?
Haploid = one set of chromosomes,
A cell possessing a single copy of each chromosome (human sex cells).
How many matching pairs of chromosomes are there in humans?
22 matching pairs
What are the 22 matching pairs of chromosomes called?
22 matched pairs of chromosomes – autosomes
What are the last pair, 23rd pair of chromosomes called
23rd pair – sex chromosomes
For the DNA structure, what is DNA made up of? What do these consist of? Which is the head and which is the tail?
Made of nucleotides, Nucleotide are made up of Sugar (tail), Phosphate (head) group and Nitrogenous base
Is the sugar and phosphate the same in all nucleotides?
Yes
What are the matching bases in DNA
Adenine matches with Thymine, and Cytosine matches with Guanine
What is nucleic acid?
Nucleic acid: compound, such as DNA or RNA, built from nucleotide sub-units
Explain the double helix structure of DNA?
2 anti parallel nucleotide chains where the nucleotides facing inward and sugar phosphate backbones facing outside,
What bonds are formed in the double helix?
Weak hydrogen bonds between the base pairs. Double bond between adenine and thymine, triple bond between cytosine and guanine.
What is the length of DNA expressed by?
Length of DNA is expressed by number of base pairs (bp)
How many base pairs does a human cell chromosome on average?
120 million bp
How many base pairs are in the average gene length?
3000 bp
How many genes make up a human genome?
20000 - 25000