Chap 1 Flashcards
What is a gene?
The part of DNA (sequence of nucleotides) that contains the instructions for the synthesis of a particular protein
Genes occur in pairs, one from each homologous chromosome.
What is a locus?
The locations or positions of genes on chromosomes (singular: locus)
Loci indicate where genes are situated on chromosomes.
What are alleles?
The alternate forms of a gene
Alleles exist in pairs, such as ‘A’ and ‘a’, representing different forms of the same gene.
What happens to alleles during meiosis?
When chromosomes separate, alleles also separate, with each gamete receiving one of the two alleles
This process ensures genetic diversity in the offspring.
What is DNA replication?
The process by which the double-stranded DNA molecule unwinds and separates into two complementary strands
DNA replication results in two identical DNA molecules.
What is transcription?
The process by which genetic information encoded in DNA is transcribed into a complementary RNA molecule
Transcription occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells.
What enzyme initiates RNA synthesis during transcription?
RNA polymerase
RNA polymerase binds to a specific region of DNA called the promoter to start RNA synthesis.
Fill in the blank: The central dogma of molecular biology describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to _______ to protein.
RNA
This process outlines how genetic information is transferred and utilized in biological systems.
True or False: Each gamete receives both alleles from a parent during meiosis.
False
Each gamete receives only one of the two alleles.
What are the base pairing rules during transcription?
A-U, T-A, G-C, C-G
These rules dictate how nucleotides pair during RNA synthesis from the DNA template.
What is the role of the promoter in transcription?
It is the specific region of DNA where RNA polymerase binds to initiate RNA synthesis
The promoter is crucial for the start of transcription.
