B8 DNA, Genes, Protein Synthesis Flashcards
What are the characteristics of eukaryotic cells?
Very long
Linear
DNA associated with proteins called histones
80s Ribosome
What are the characteristics of prokaryotic cells?
Short
Circular
Not associated with proteins
70s Ribosomes
Why is the DNA Double helix wound around the histones?
So it takes up as a little space as possible so it can fit in the nucleus and the histones support the DNA
What do DNA and histones form when they are coiled up very tightly?
Chromosomes
What 2 organelles also contain their own DNA and what are their characteristics?
The mitochondria and chloroplasts contain DNA which is short, circular and not associated with proteins
What is a Gene?
A Gene is a base sequence of DNA that codes for either the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide or a functional RNA ( rRNA or tRNA)
Which position does a gene occupy?
A gene always occupies a fixed position locus on a particular DNA molecule
Definition of a Genome
The full set of genes in a cell
Definition of a proteome
The full range of proteins a cell is able to produce
What are the 3 main factors of genetic code?
Universal
Degenerate
Non overlapping
What does it mean by genetic code being universal?
Same code is used in all living organisms
What does it mean by genetic code being degenerate?
This means that more than one triplet codes for the same amino acid, reducing the number of mutations which are mistakes in the base.
What does it mean by genetic code being non overlapping?
This means that each triplet is only read once and triplets dont share any bases
What are the 2 areas of non-coding DNA?
Introns within genes
Non coding multiple repeats of bases sequences between genes
What are introns?
Section of genes that dont code for anything. Non coding sequences
Where do introns need to be removed?
Introns need to be removed before translation in gene splicing
What are non coding multiple repeats of base sequences?
They are just the same base sequence repeated many times
What are coding sequences called?
Exons