Chapter 3 Synthetic Biology

Question 1

Nanometer

Answer 1

One billionth of a meter

Question 2

Micrometer

Answer 2

One millionth of a meter

Question 3

Gene expression is referred to as

Epigenrteics

Answer 3

Conversion of DNA sequence into protein sequence

Inheritable changes not caused by changes in DNA sequence

Question 4

The pecking of DNA within a nucleus is knows to

Answer 4

Influence aspects of DNA function such as which genes are expressed and when

Question 5

Why is hierarchy like structure of protein more complex

Answer 5

Higher information density of protein sequences and lack of single molecular conformation

Question 6

The variety of different catalytic and structural roles played by proteins is dependent on

Answer 6

Ability to fold and interact with other molecules

Question 7

Four different levels of protein

Answer 7

Primary secondary tertiary and quaternary

Different scales in protein folding

Question 8

Primary

Answer 8

Sequence of amino acids in polypeptide chain

Can fold into secondary structure

Question 9

Secondary structures

Answer 9

Alpha helix beta sheet
Fold into coils or barrel types structures
Which bind to other proteins to form supramolecules

Question 10

Quaternary

Answer 10

Protein structure viewed at level that involves multiple proteins

Question 11

Example of protein for hierarchy like structure

Answer 11

Collagen
Forms a triple helical structure 1.5 mm thick called tropocollagen which assembles further into collagen fibrils then more complicated hierarchy like like a tendon

Question 12

How are phospholipids formed and what are they called

How are hey structured

Answer 12

Biological membranes
Self organize in physiological conditions to form 5 nanometer thick bilayer membrane
Structured laterally by hosting different guest molecules at different locations in the membrane

Question 13

How do biological membranes stack in organelles

They also contain what in order to carry out what

Answer 13

Laterally to form multilayer structures
Proteins and other molecules
A variety of functions involved in processes like photosynthesis cell to cell communication and controlling what molecules enter and exit cell

Question 14

Two examples of biological membranes and other molecules carrying out other functions

Answer 14

Focal adhesions where cells contact and adhere to protein materials outside of the cell
- contain specified clusters of proteins and lipids that form contact with extra cellular matrix in patterned way
Lipid rafts- cluster of protein and cholesterol
Involved in cell signaling events and cell to cell junction that connect neighboring cells

Question 15

If one were to zoom out on biological membranes they would see

Answer 15

Different cells have different membrane components

Structural function at multicellular level

Question 16

Photonics structures

Answer 16

Optical properties that come from being structured at scale of wavelength of light

Question 17

Structural color in butterfly wings is

Answer 17

Static

Question 18

Scales on the wings of butterflies are composed of

Answer 18

Colorless carbohydrates such as chitin but structured in 3D on the scale of the wavelength of visible light - diffract light to give color and color originates from microstructure

Color iridescent and only seen at certain angles

Question 19

Chemical coloring

Answer 19

Occurs as a result of chemicals that absorb different frequencies of light

Question 20

How chemical coloring works

Answer 20

Control structures that display color
Iridophore example
Nanoscopically spaced stacks of refractive proteins layers like Bragg reflector
Color and intensity depend on spacing and refractive index contrast of the layers and angle viewed

Question 21

Scientists have developed what based on responsive Bragg reflectors
That do what

Answer 21

Chemical sensors

Change spacing and color upon binding of chemical to be detected by sensor