cellular control from book (Dixon) Flashcards
Define gene
Section of DNA that codes for a characteristic
Define allele
Different versions of the same gene
Define DNA
Genetic material
Define phenotype
Characteristic that is expresed
Define genotype
Combinations of alleles
Define homozygous
2 of the same alleles
Define heteozygous
2 different alleles
Define mutation
A change in the DNA
Define dominant
The gene that is expressed if it is there
Define recessive
Have to have both alleles recessive for the characteristic to be expressed.
What are the 5 possible bases for a nucleotide?
Adenine Thyamine Guanine Cytosine Urasil
What are the 2 types of bases?
Purine - 2 carbon- nitrogen hexagonal rings (A+G)
Pyramidine- 1 carbon- nitrogen hexagonal ring (T,C +U)
What are the 3 types of RNA?
mRNA
rRNA
tRNA
Define triplet
Sequence of 3 bases (codon) that codes for a specific amino acid.
How is the genetic code non-overlapping?
The bases are read in sequence and triplets do not share bases.
How is the genetic code degenerate?
More than one combination of bases can code for the same amino acid.
How is the gentic code universal?
The same triplet codes for the same amino acid in all living things.
Define transcription
The coping of a section of DNA that codes for a protein to form mRNA.
Describe the process of transcription
DNA is untwisted
DNA unzips by DNA helicase
This breaks hydrogen bonds
One side is used as a template
Free RNA nucleotides attach to exposed bases
Due to complementary base pairing A with U, C with G
Temporary hydrogen bonds form
RNA polymerase catalyses bond formation of phosphodiester bonds between adjacent RNA nucleotide
Single strand of mRNA produced
mRNA moves out of the nucleus
What is the template strand of DNA?
What the mRNA attaches to
What in the coding strand of DNA?
The same as the mRNA
Describe the process of translation
1) mRNA attaches to ribosome
2) The tRNA anticodon binds to complementary mRNA codon
3) Each tRNA brings a specific amino acid
4) A second tRNA brings a second specific amino acid
5) Peptide bond formed between amino acids
6) This is catalysed by the ribosome
7) The first tRNA detaches
8) Ribsome moves along the mRNA
9) Polypeptide chain grows as steps 2-8 continue
10) This process halts when a stop codon is reached.
11) Ribosome detaches from mRNA.
What is a mutation?
A random change in the genetic material (DNA)
It can occur at any point in the DNA - the genes, the regulatory regions the non-coding DNA.
What is a polymer?
A long chain of monomers