Chapter 3 Flashcards
Genetics and Molecular Biology
What are proteins important to at a molecular level?
Responsible for its shape and nearly all of its functions. Makes up the long chain of amino acids. Can be folded into complex 3D shapes that relate to function. Interact with other types of proteins and molecules.
What function do lipids play on molecules?
An organic compound that includes fat, oils, and hormones. They are insoluble in water because they have a head that is hydrophilic and a tale that is hydrophobic. Store energy for the body or communicate between cells.
What function do carbohydrates have on a molecular level?
Sugar molecules and serve as energy to cells in the form of glucose.
Nucleic Acids are what?
Carry genetic information about a living organism. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) and RNAA
What are prokaryotes?
A single celled organism characterized by the lack of a nucleus and membrane enclosed organelles. Bacteria and archaea.
What are eukaryotes?
Single or multi-celled organisms characterized by a distinct nucleus, with each organelle surrounded by its own membrane.
What are organelles?
A structure within a cell that performs specialized tasks that are essential for the cell. There are different types of organelles; each responsible for its own task.
What is the microbiome?
The collective genomes of the community of microorganisms that humans have living inside of their bodies. They help digest food, boost the immune system, and make vitamins.
Define tissues:
A cluster of cells that are morphologically similar and perform the same task.
Phospholipid bilayer
A double membrane present in animal cells. The protective barrier is made up of lipids and protein that provide function and structure. such as regulating the passage of ions and molecules.
What is cytoplasm?
The jelly-like matrix inside of the cell membrane that contains the organelles and other cellular molecules.
What is the nucleus?
An organelle responsible for protecting the DNA and regulating cellular activities. Has a double membrane
What are mitochondrion?
An organelle that produces energy for the cell. Has its own genome (mtDNA). Produces ATP.
Adenosine Triphosphate
ATP is a high energy compound produced by mitochondria that powers cellular activity.
What is molecular geneticists?
They study biological mechanisms responsible for creating variation between individuals such as mutations, cell division, and genetic regulation.
What are mutations?
A nucleotide sequence variation from the template DNA strand that can occur during replication. Mutations can also happen during recombination.
What is a Molecular Anthropologist?
An individual who uses molecular techniques to compare ancient and modern populations of humans and non human primates.
Ancient DNA (aDNA)
DNA that is extracted from anything once living including human, animal, and plant remains.
What are nucleotides?
the basic structural component of nucleic acid, which includes DNA (A, T, C, and G) and RNA (A, U, C, and G)
What is a sugar phosphate backbone?
A biochemical structural component of DNA it consists of deoxyribose sugars and phosphate molecules.
Define base pairs:
Chemical bonding between nucleotides. In DNA adamine bonds with thiamine and cytosine bonds with guanine. In RNA cytosine bonds with uracil. Approx 3billion base pairs in human cells.
What are Histones?
Protein that DNA wrap around to assist with DNA organization in the nucleus.
Define chromatin
DNA wrapped around the histone complexes. During cell devision chromatin becomes a condensed chromosome.
What are centromeres?
A structural feature that is defined as the “center” of a chromosome and creates two different arm lengths. Also refers to the region of attachments for microtubules during mitosis and meiosis.
Define telomeres
A compound structure at the end of chromosomes to help protect the chromosomes from degradation after every round of cell division.
DNA replication
Cellular process in which DNA is copied and replicated.
Define the cell cycle
A cycle the cell undergoes with checkpoints between phases to ensure DNA replication and cell division occur properly.
What is semi-conservative replication?
DNA replication in which new genetics are created from an existing template DNA strand.
What is initiation of DNA?
Enzymes are recruited to specific spots along the DNA sequence where they begin the process of division.
Elongation of DNA
THe assembly of new DNA from template strands with the help of DNA polymesrasis.
Termination of DNA
The halt of DNA replication activity that occurs when a “DNA “ sequence “stop” codon is encountered.
What is helicase?
A protein that breaks the hydrogen bonds that hold double-stranded DNA together.
What is the leading strand?
DNA template strand in which replication proceeds continuously.
What is the lagging strand?
DNA template stand that is opposite to the leading strand during DNA replication. This strand is created in several; disconnected sections and other enzymes fill in the missing nucleotide enzymes missing in the gap.
DNA Polymerases
Enzyme that adds nucleotides to existing nucleic acid strands during DNA replication. These enzymes can be distinguished by their processivity (e.g. DNA replication).
What is a deleterious genetic mutation?
A mutation that increases an organism’s susceptibility to disease.
What is a germ cell?
Specialized cell that gametes (sperm and egg cells)