Chapter 4: Genetics & Cellular Funcution Flashcards
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
Double helix
*Spiral staicase
Uniform diameter- 2nm
*length varies
Polymer of nucleotides
Components of DNA
BPD
Bases
- Purines (adenine, guanine)
- Pyrimadines (cytosine, thyamine)
Phosphate Group
Deoxyribose (sugar)
Chromatin
Material that make up chromosomes of organisms
Consists of: RNA, DNA, and proteins
- 46 chromosomes
- 6 ft thread packed in cell nucleus
Histones
Proteins crucial for DNA packing
- Group of 8 molecules
- DNA winds around
Nucleosome
Basic repeating subunits of chromatin
Consist of:
- Histone cluster with DNA around
- Linker DNA- short DNA connecting core particles
Chromatin thrown into complex, irregular loops and coils
Chromosome
A doubled rod of condensed chromatin; contains DNA that carries genetic information.
Chromatids
one of two identical “sister” parts of a duplicated chromosome
Centromere
pinched area where the chromatids of a chromosome are attached
Kinetochore
Protein plaque on the sides of the centromere
Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)
Components? RU
Types?
Single chain- shorter DNA
Interrupts DNA to Synthesize protein
Works in Cytoplasm
Components:
- Ribose (sugar)
- Uracil
Types: mRNA, tRNA, rRNA
Gene
Individual segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein
Genome
All genes of one person
Genetic Code
System that enables these four nucleotides (A, T, C, G) to cods for the amino acids sequence of all proteins
*Minimum code to symbolize 20 amino acid= 3 NT per AA
Base Triplet
Sequence of 3 DNA nucleotides that stand for one amino acid
Codon
The 3-base sequence in mRNA
*65 possible to rep for 20 Amino Acids
Exons
“Sense” portions of the immature RNA
* Will translate to proteins
Introns
“Nonsense” portions of the immature RNA
*Must be removed before translation
Alternative Splicing
Removing the introns by enzymes and splicing the exons together into functional RNA molecules
Translation
3 Stages? Tie
The process that converts the language of nucleotides into language or amino acids
3 Stages:
- Termination
- Initiation
- Elongation
Chaperone Proteins
Older proteins that pick up new proteins and guide them into folding into the proper shape
Mutations & How You Obtain Them
Changes in DNA structure due to replication errors or environmental factors
ex: radiation, viruses, chemicals