DNA Flashcards
What does DNA stand for?
Deoxyribonucleic Acid
Who discovered the structure of DNA?
Watson and Crick
What is the structure of DNA?
A double helix
What are the sides of the DNA ‘ladder’ made of?
Alternating sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate
What are the rungs of the DNA ‘ladder’ made of?
Nitrogen bases
List the four nitrogen bases in DNA.
- Adenine
- Thymine
- Cytosine
- Guanine
What pairs with Adenine in DNA?
Thymine
What pairs with Cytosine in DNA?
Guanine
Fill in the blank: If there is 30% Adenine, there would be _______ Cytosine.
20%
What is the process by which DNA makes a copy of itself?
DNA Replication
What happens during DNA replication?
The DNA ‘unzips’ down the center and each strand makes a copy of itself
What are genes?
Segments of DNA that code for a particular trait
What is the relationship between DNA, RNA, amino acids, and proteins?
DNA → RNA → amino acids → proteins
What does RNA stand for?
Ribonucleic Acid
How does RNA differ from DNA?
The sugar molecule is ribose and contains uracil instead of thymine
What are the three types of RNA?
- Messenger RNA (mRNA)
- Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
- Transfer RNA (tRNA)
What is the function of mRNA?
Carries the genetic information from the DNA to the ribosomes
What is the function of rRNA?
Ribosomes are made of rRNA and protein
What is the function of tRNA?
Brings amino acids to ribosomes to make proteins
What are mutations?
Mistakes made when DNA is copied
What are the possible outcomes of mutations?
- Lethal
- Helpful
- No effect
What was the Human Genome Project?
A research project to map the location of each gene on our chromosomes
When did the Human Genome Project start and finish?
Started October 1, 1990 and finished April 2003
How many genes do humans have approximately?
30,000 genes
What is genetic engineering?
Used to alter the genes in a cell
What are Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)?
Organisms that have had their genes altered
Give an example of a genetically modified organism.
Corn that is lethal to insects due to a toxin-producing gene from bacteria
What is one use of genetically modified bacteria?
To produce the hormone insulin to treat diabetes
What do genetically modified goats produce?
An anticoagulant in their milk
Fill in the blank: A toxin-producing gene from bacteria has been combined with the DNA of _______ and corn making it lethal to insects.
rice (Bt-rice)
What is one notable outcome of genetic engineering in animals?
Scientists have produced glow-in-the-dark animals
