DNA, Genes, Chromosomes Flashcards

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1
Q

What is a “gene?”

A
  • A base sequence (ie. section of DNA) that will code for the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide and code for a functional RNA.
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2
Q

Give two examples of functional RNA.

A
  • tRNA
  • Ribososomal RNA.
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3
Q

What is meant by term “locus?”

A
  • FIXED position of particular gene on DNA molecule (known as locus.)
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4
Q

True or False

The hair colour gene will have a different locus for each human.

A
  • False.
  • Hair colour gene will always have the same locus (ie. same location on DNA molecule) in all humans.
  • BUT… the versions of the gene may be different (ie. different alleles.)
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5
Q

What is an “allele?”

A
  • An allele is one of a number of alternative forms of a gene (ie. two genes that code for SAME TYPE OF CHARACTERISTIC -e.g., hair colour - but different alleles = brown/ black.)

() - extra info for claririfcation.

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6
Q

What is a chrosome? Where are they found in eukayrotic cells? How many pairs of chromosomes do humans have in somatic cells?

A
  • Compact DNA associated with histones forms a chromosome.
  • Found in nucleus (in eukaryotic cells.)
  • Pairs of chromosomes: 23 pairs (46 in total.)
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7
Q

What is a “homologous pair” of chromosomes?

A
  • Homologous pair of chromosomes are exactly the same size, have exactly the same genes but may have different alleles.
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8
Q

How many homologous pairs of chromosomes does a human have?

A
  • 23 homologous pairs of chromosomes.
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9
Q

What is DNA like in euakryotic cells?

A
  • DNA is linear in shape.
  • DNA is tightly-coiled to fit in nucleus (as chromosomes), tightly-wound around proteins; called histones –> forming chromosomes.
  • DNA = very long
  • Found in nucleus.
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10
Q

What is DNA like in prokaryotic cells?

A
  • DNA is short
  • DNA is circular
  • DNA is not associated with proteins.
  • DNA found free-floating in the cytoplasm.
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11
Q

True or False

The DNA of mitochondria/ chlorplasts are like the DNA of eukaryotic cells - as these structures are found in eukaryotic cells.

A
  • FALSE!!
  • DNA contained in mitochondria/ chloroplasts = short, circular, not associated with histones/ proteins.
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12
Q

What is the name of the protein that DNA winds around in eukaryotic cells to form chromosomes?

A
  • Histones
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13
Q

True or False

The locus of a particular gene can change.

A
  • False.
  • Locus is FIXED position of the gene.
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