Basic Principles of Molecular Genetics Flashcards
The nucleic acids, otherwise known as the _________________________, are informational molecules because
their primary structure contains a code for hereditary traits or set of directions by which they can duplicate themselves and
guide the synthesis of proteins. These macromolecules were first discovered in the ______________, which carry information
from genes in the cell nucleus to certain structures in the cytoplasm that direct major biochemical processes.
The nucleic acids, otherwise known as the polynucleotides, are informational molecules because their primary structure contains a code for hereditary traits or set of directions by which they can duplicate themselves and
guide the synthesis of proteins. These macromolecules were first discovered in the nuclei of cells, which carry information
from genes in the cell nucleus to certain structures in the cytoplasm that direct major biochemical processes.
Nucleic acids are the ________________________ for all living cells.
Nucleic acids are the genetic material for all living cells.
It is involved in the _______________ and _______________ of genetic material from one generation to the next.
It is involved in the storage and transfer of genetic material from one generation to the next.
The genetic material of all the cells in a living organism is the same and has all the information required for making an
______________________________.
The genetic material of all the cells in a living organism is the same and has all the information required for making an
identical organism.
Nucleic acids determine the _______________ of an organism.
Nucleic acids determine the phenotype of an organism.
Other functions of nucleic acids include _______________ (enzyme-like action e.g. ribosomes) and ______________
(RNA acts as co enzyme for the enzyme _______________.
Other functions of nucleic acids include catalysis (enzyme-like action e.g. ribosomes) and co-enzyme action
(RNA acts as co enzyme for the enzyme telomerase.
DNA (______________________________) – double-stranded, helical nucleotide polymer found mainly in the
nucleus of the cell that carries the genetic information involved in cellular metabolism, growth and differentiation.
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) – double-stranded, helical nucleotide polymer found mainly in the
nucleus of the cell that carries the genetic information involved in cellular metabolism, growth and differentiation.
G_______________ – also known as __________________; this comprises the genome of the organism.
This genomic DNA is spread across __ chromosomes leading to an expression of genetic traits. The genomic
DNA controls expression of the various traits in an organism. The genomic DNA was sequenced as part of
the _________________________ to study the various functions of the different regions of the genome. Usually
during DNA replication, there is a recombination of gens bringing about a change in sequence leading to
individual specific characteristics. This is very useful in the study of ____________________________. Any deviation
from the normal DNA regulation will lead to malignancies and other disorders.
Genomic – also known as nuclear DNA; this comprises the genome of the organism.
This genomic DNA is spread across 46 chromosomes leading to an expression of genetic traits. The genomic
DNA controls expression of the various traits in an organism. The genomic DNA was sequenced as part of
the Human Genome Project to study the various functions of the different regions of the genome. Usually
during DNA replication, there is a recombination of gens bringing about a change in sequence leading to
individual specific characteristics. This is very useful in the study of congenital abnormalities. Any deviation
from the normal DNA regulation will lead to malignancies and other disorders.
M____________________ – mtDNA is a double stranded ______________molecule derived from the circular bacterial
genome. mtDNA is always ______________ inherited, thus mutations of this type of DNA can lead to _____________________. Each mitochondrion contains about __________ mtDNA molecules. Unlike nuclear DNA which
during the process of inheritance undergoes __________________, mtDNA ________________ from parent to offspring.
Mitochondrial DNA– mtDNA is a double stranded circular molecule derived from the circular bacterial
genome. mtDNA is always maternally inherited, thus mutations of this type of DNA can lead to maternally
inherited diseases. Each mitochondrion contains about 2 to 10 mtDNA molecules. Unlike nuclear DNA which
during the process of inheritance undergoes recombination, mtDNA does not change from parent to offspring.
_________– is thought to be one of three biologically active double helical structures along with B-DNA and
Z-DNA. It is a _______________ double helix fairly similar to the more common B-DNA form, but with a __________,
more compact helical structure whose base pairs are _____________________ to the helix-axis as in B-DNA.
A-DNA– is thought to be one of three biologically active double helical structures along with B-DNA and
Z-DNA. It is a right-handed double helix fairly similar to the more common B-DNA form, but with a shorter,
more compact helical structure whose base pairs are not perpendicular to the helix-axis as in B-DNA.
__________ – is the most common double helical structure found in nature, the double helix is ______________
with about ___________ base pairs per turn.
B-DNA – is the most common double helical structure found in nature, the double helix is right-handed
with about 10–10.5 base pairs per turn.
__________ – is one of the many possible double helical structures of DNA. It is a ______________ double helical
structure in which the helix winds to the left in a ________ pattern.
Z-DNA – is one of the many possible double helical structures of DNA. It is a left-handed double helical
structure in which the helix winds to the left in a zigzag pattern.
RNA (______________________________) – single-stranded, non-helical nucleotide polymer found mainly in the
________________ of the cell although it is usually synthesized in the nucleus. It is responsible in the ________________ and
___________________of genetic information to make proteins during cell growth and division.
RNA (ribonucleic acid) – single-stranded, non-helical nucleotide polymer found mainly in the
cytoplasm of the cell although it is usually synthesized in the nucleus. It is responsible in the transcription and
translation of genetic information to make proteins during cell growth and division.
_______________ RNA (mRNA) – is a complementary RNA copy of selected regions of the DNA. It carries
the _______________________ from the nucleus (DNA) to the cytoplasm (ribosomes) and acts as the __________ for
protein synthesis.
messenger RNA (mRNA) – is a complementary RNA copy of selected regions of the DNA. It carries
the genetic information from the nucleus (DNA) to the cytoplasm (ribosomes) and acts as the template for
protein synthesis.
_______________ RNA (rRNA) – structural and functional component of the ribosomes which are “platforms”
on which protein synthesis occurs. Some of them have catalytic and coenzymes functions as well. There are
three subtypes of rRNA molecules in bacterial ribosomes: ____, ___ and ___.
ribosomal RNA (rRNA) – structural and functional component of the ribosomes which are “platforms”
on which protein synthesis occurs. Some of them have catalytic and coenzymes functions as well. There are
three subtypes of rRNA molecules in bacterial ribosomes: 30s, 50s and 70s.
