DNA CODE OF LIFE Flashcards
What does DNA stand for?
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Describe the shape of a DNA molecule.
Double helix
Name the protein structures that provide support and allow the DNA molecule to maintain its shape.
Histones
Where in a cell would you find DNA?
Nucleus
List two functions of DNA.
- Stores genetic information
- Guides protein synthesis
Replication of DNA occurs during the _______ phase of a cell.
interphase
Name the nitrogenous bases that are referred to as purines.
- Adenine
- Guanine
What happens to the double helix during DNA replication?
It uncoils and strands separate
What enzyme catalyzes the formation of new DNA strands?
DNA polymerase
What is the purpose of DNA replication?
To duplicate the cell’s hereditary material
How do the bases pair during DNA replication?
Cytosine pairs with guanine and adenine pairs with thymine
What is formed after DNA replication?
Two identical DNA molecules
True or False: DNA replication ensures genetic information is preserved and passed down.
True
What is the source of the plasmid in the recombination process?
E. coli bacteria taken from human intestine
E. coli is a common bacterium found in the intestines of humans and other animals.
What type of DNA is created in the recombination process?
Recombinant DNA (hybrid plasmid)
Recombinant DNA is formed by splicing together DNA from different sources.
What is removed from E. coli to initiate the recombination process?
Plasmid
Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules found in bacteria.
What enzyme is used to cut the plasmid open at a specific site?
Restriction enzyme
Restriction enzymes are proteins that cut DNA at specific sequences.
What is done to the human DNA before it is spliced with the plasmid?
Cut into pieces by restriction enzyme
This allows the human gene to be inserted into the plasmid.
Which human gene is specifically mentioned in the recombination process?
Human insulin gene
The insulin gene is crucial for the production of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar.
What happens to the bacteria after the human plasmid is inserted?
They replicate, creating a clone capable of producing human insulin
This process allows for mass production of insulin for medical use.
Fill in the blank: The human _______ is inserted into the E. coli cell.
plasmid
What is the first step in the recombination process described?
Plasmid removed from E. coli
This step is essential to prepare the plasmid for the insertion of human DNA.
In which cellular structure is the strand of DNA from the human cell located?
Nucleus
The nucleus is the membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell’s genetic material.
What is the outcome of combining the human insulin gene with the plasmid?
Creation of a hybrid plasmid
The hybrid plasmid can be used to produce insulin in bacteria.
What does DNA replication involve?
DNA replication involves each DNA molecule splitting longitudinally to form complementary halves, resulting in two identical DNA molecules.
This process ensures the exact copying of genetic information at every cell division.
What is formed as a result of DNA replication?
A double set of chromosomes is formed, with each set migrating to opposite ends of the cell during mitosis.
This migration is crucial for the distribution of genetic material to daughter cells.
What type of molecules can DNA split to form?
DNA can split to form RNA molecules, specifically mRNA and tRNA.
mRNA is a straight single strand, while tRNA is coiled.
What role does mRNA play in protein synthesis?
mRNA, having copied the DNA template, can select specific amino acids to make specific proteins.
This process is essential for translating genetic information into functional proteins.
What are enzymes and their relationship to DNA?
Enzymes are proteins, and DNA controls the proteins made in the cytoplasm, thus influencing the cell’s activities.
The protoplasm is a colloidal mixture of proteins and water, highlighting the importance of proteins in cellular function.
What does DNA replication involve?
DNA replication involves each DNA molecule splitting longitudinally to form complementary halves, resulting in two identical DNA molecules.
This process ensures the exact copying of genetic information at every cell division.
What is formed as a result of DNA replication?
A double set of chromosomes is formed, with each set migrating to opposite ends of the cell during mitosis.
This migration is crucial for the distribution of genetic material to daughter cells.
What type of molecules can DNA split to form?
DNA can split to form RNA molecules, specifically mRNA and tRNA.
mRNA is a straight single strand, while tRNA is coiled.
What role does mRNA play in protein synthesis?
mRNA, having copied the DNA template, can select specific amino acids to make specific proteins.
This process is essential for translating genetic information into functional proteins.
What are enzymes and their relationship to DNA?
Enzymes are proteins, and DNA controls the proteins made in the cytoplasm, thus influencing the cell’s activities.
The protoplasm is a colloidal mixture of proteins and water, highlighting the importance of proteins in cellular function.
