DNA Flashcards
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid. Blue print to all life on Earth.
RNA
Ribonucleic acid
Nucleotide
DNA/RNA monomers made up of sugar group, phosphate, and a nitrogenous base.
Differences between DNA & RNA
DNA: Double helix, Contains Thymine, Deoxyribose sugar.
RNA: Single strand, Contains Uracil, Ribose sugar
Gene
A long stretch of DNA that codes for something, usually a protein or a group of proteins.
Mutation
Any change in the nucleotide sequence of a chain of DNA/RNA.
Mutagens
Things that cause mutations.
How did Watson and Crick solved the mystery of DNA?
By gathering information from many scientists such as Levene for his discovery of nucleotides. Chargaff and his rule about a 1:1 ratio for the base pairings of G&C, and T&A.
Protein synthesis
Process by which proteins are produced within a living cell.
Codon
a sequence of three nucleotides which together form a unit of genetic code in a DNA or RNA molecule.
Anticodon
a sequence of three nucleotides forming a unit of genetic code in a transfer RNA molecule, corresponding to a complementary codon in messenger RNA.
Transcription
Transcription is the process by which DNA is copied (transcribed) to mRNA, which carries the information needed for protein synthesis.
Translation
Translation is the process of translating the sequence of a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule to a sequence of amino acids during protein synthesis.
What is the role of polymerase in protein synthesis?
It’s an enzyme that controls the transfer of the code from DNA into RNA. It also causes the hydrogen bonds between base pairs to break
Mitochondrial DNA
DNA that occurs in the mitochondria, it codes for enzymes that assist with cellular respiration and it is used to determine the relatedness of a child and their mother since it is hereditary from the female.
Where is mRNA created?
It is created in the nucleus.
Where is tRNA located?
It is found in the cytoplasm
Describe the process of Transcription
The two strands of DNA unzip where the gene is located. Free floating RNA nucleotides in the nucleoplasm are used to build a complementary mRNA strand on one of the DNA strands. As the mRNA forms, it moves away from the DNA. The mRNA strand leaves the nucleus via pores in the nuclear membrane. The code obtained by the mRNA is taken to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm.
Describe the process of Translation
The single mRNA strand attaches to the ribosome. tRNA brings amino acids in the cytoplasm and brings them to the ribosome. The anticodon in the tRNA will determine which amino acid will bind to the tRNA. A specific tRNA brings amino acid for which it is coded for, to the mRNA template. The codons of the mRNA will determine which anticodons of tRNA will correspond.
What is non-coding DNA used for?
Non-coding DNA varies from person to person thus giving an individual their own specific DNA profile which can be used in fingerprinting.
What is the significance of DNA fingerprinting?
DNA fingerprinting is a chemical test that shows the genetic makeup of a person or other living things. It’s used as evidence in courts, to identify bodies, track down blood relatives, and to look for cures for disease.
What is the role of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in making this possible from small samples?
PCR can multiply a few copies of a sample of DNA to millions of DNA segments by the replication of DNA in a test tube thus, it plays an important role in DNA fingerprinting by ensuring that there is enough DNA for testing.
Why is DNA fingerprinting important?
It can help prove the paternity of child, track lost relatives, identifying the remains of the deceased, determine the probability of birth defects, treatment of genetic defects, solving criminal cases with forensic science, and identifying the origin of products of threatened species.
What is a point mutation?
A mutation affecting only one or very few nucleotides in a gene sequence.
What is a Frameshift mutation?
a mutation caused by the addition or deletion of a base pair or base pairs in the DNA of a gene resulting in the translation of the genetic code in an unnatural reading frame from the position of the mutation to the end of the gene.
