Chapter 1 Flashcards
Gene
Comprises both coding DNA sequences (exons) that are the templates for messenger RNA (mRNA) that will ultimately be translated into a protein
Regulatory DNA sequences (promoters and introns) that control whether and in what quantities a gene is expressed in a given cell type
Genetic Analysis
Understanding the structure, function, and development of organs and organ systems
Genomics
Analysis of complete DNA sequences (both coding and regulatory) for a species or an individual
Number of genes in human genome?
20,000
Number of genes in all tissues
8,000
Number of genes in developing or mature NS
14,000
Number of genes exclusively in NS OR exclusively not in NS
6,000
Splice Variants
Variable messages transcribed from the same gene. Adds diversity
Synapses
Specialized contacts that are not sites of continuity between cells
Gap Junctions
Allow for cytoplasmic continuity in neuron
Neurons
Are specialized for electrical signaling over long distances
Glial Cells
Support the signaling functions of nerve cells rather than generating electrical signals themselves
Repairing nervous system damage, Acting as stem cells in some brain
Prevent regeneration where uncontrolled regrowth might do more harm than good
Axon
Typically long and threadlike, conducts electricity to transfer to other cells.
Dendrites
Primary targets for synaptic input from the axon terminals of other neurons and are distinguished by their high content of ribosomes
Convergence
The number of inputs to a single neuron
