cells and their features Flashcards
what is templated polymerization?
process of polymer synthesis in which the monomer units are organized by a template
what are two examples of templated polymerization?
transcription and replication
considered an archive of info, contains genetic info for an organism’s development
DNA
what is RNA?
single stranded polymeric molecule that carries genetic info that cells use to make proteins and RNA
what is DNA replication?
process by which the genome’s DNA is copied in cells. occurs before cell division so that daughter cell ends up with its own complete genome
transcription?
RNA Synthesis; process by which a cell makes an RNA copy of a piece of DNA
what is translation?
protein synthesis; process of translating the sequence of messenger RNA to build a protein
what is a gene?
sequence of nucleotides in DNA that is transcribed to form a functional RNA; genes are made up of DNA
what is a codon?
a sequence of three nucleotides which together form the 20 amino acids
what is genetic redundancy?
several codons can make the same amino acid
what is lysosomal storage disease?
results from a deficiency of a specific lysozyme located within lysosomes of cells
what happens when a specific lysozyme is absent?
lack of degradation of certain compounds, specifically glycosphingolipids they eventually accumulate in cells
what organs does lysosomal storage disease affect?
spleen and liver (RES), brain and spinal cord, skeletal system and collagen
what is Gaucher’s disease?
genetic mutation that leads to a deficiency of betaglucosidase
in gaucher’s disease what organs are affected? where do the cells appear?
liver and spleen enlarge and glycosphingolipids accumulate; in bone marrow
what is metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD)?
genetic mutation that leads to deficiency of arylsulfatase A
where does metachromatic leukodystrophy affect? treatment?
allows build up of glycosphingolipid in white matter of brain and spinal cord; bone marrow transplant
what is tay-sachs disease? AKA? common in what population of people?
gangliosidosis; genetic mutation leads to deficiency of hexosaminidase; ashkenazic jews
what does tay-sachs disease cause? what organ does it affect?
severe mental retardation with hearing and vision loss; accumulation of gangliosides in brain
what is Hurler syndrome?
group of disorders involving genetic mutation leading to a deficiency of alpha iduronidase
where does hurler syndrome affect? how?
skeletal and collagen involvement; lack of collagen formation in several systems; death by age 8
Hurler syndrome sign?
Heparan sulfate (precursor to collagen and mucopolysaccharide) accumulates in urine.
what’s the most important factor in disease?
proteins
what’s an example of a protein catalyst?
lysozymes
what causes lysozyme storage disorders?
mutations
