BIO2 Flashcards
BIO2
What are genotype and phenotype of an organism?
Genotype is the genetic makeup; phenotype is the observable traits.
What is the principal direction of information flow in the central dogma of molecular biology?
DNA -> RNA -> Protein
What is the role/significance of the DNA double strand structure?
Stabilizes genetic material, enables replication and repair.
How is DNA compacted to fit into the nucleus?
DNA wraps around histones to form chromatin.
What is the principle of the PCR reaction and what is it used for?
PCR amplifies DNA for analysis in various applications.
What are the main ideas behind DNA sequencing by synthesis and nanopore DNA sequencing?
Synthesis: uses enzymes to copy DNA; Nanopore: reads DNA directly.
What is the chemical difference between DNA and RNA?
RNA has ribose sugar and uracil; DNA has deoxyribose and thymine.
What are the different roles of DNA and RNA in an organism?
DNA stores genetic information; RNA translates it into proteins.
What happens in translation, and what is the ribosome?
Ribosomes synthesize proteins by translating mRNA into amino acid chains.
How many different amino acids are used to make proteins? How are they encoded in RNA?
20 amino acids, coded by 3-nucleotide sequences in RNA (codons).
What is kinetic proofreading and why does it exist?
Kinetic proofreading increases accuracy of DNA/RNA synthesis.
Why does gene expression need to be regulated?
To ensure proper cell function and adapt to environment.
What is an operon, and how does the lac operon work?
An operon is a gene cluster; lac operon controls lactose metabolism.
What are epigenetic modifications?
Chemical changes that affect gene expression without altering DNA.
What are advantages and disadvantages of DNA as a data storage medium?
High density, stability; requires complex reading technology.
