DNA, Proteins And Genetic Engineering Flashcards
What does DNA stand for
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Where is DNA found in the cells
In the nucleus
What is the primary function of DNA
To store genetic information
What is the structure of DNA
• A DNA molecule is described as a double stranded helix, held by complementary base pairs.
• There are 4 different bases that make up genetic code
• They have bonds between them that hold the 2 strands together.
What are the four bases found in DNA?
Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G)
What is the base pair rule in DNA?
Adenine pairs with Thymine, and Cytosine pairs with Guanine
What is a gene?
A section of DNA which codes for a protein
What does the term “double helix” refer to in DNA?
It describes the twisted ladder shape of the DNA molecule
What do proteins consist of
Proteins consist of long chains of amino acids
What determines the amino acid sequence in proteins?
The base sequence
What is messenger RNA (mRNA)?
A molecule which carries a complementary copy of the genetic code from the DNA, in the nucleus to a Ribosome, where the protein is assembled from amino acids.
What is the process of protein synthesis from DNA?
- DNA stays in the nucleus
- mRNA makes a complentary copy of the DNA code in the nucleus
- mRNA leaves the nucleus to the cytoplasm where it comes together with ribosomes
- Amino acids are joined together in a specific order to form proteins
Where is mRNA found?
In both the nucleus and cytoplasm
What happens if the sequence of bases in DNA changes?
A different sequence of amino acids is produced in a protein
Where does proteinsynthesis occur
In the ribosome
How many strands does mRNA have?
One strand
What is the relationship between DNA and proteins
DNA contains the instructions to make proteins
What is the percentage of adenine bases if there are 250 adenines in a section of DNA with 800* bases?
31%
What is the percentage of thymine bases if there are 200 thymines in a section of DNA with 800*
bases?
25%
If there are 300 guanines in a section of DNA with 800 bases, how many adenines are there?
100 adenines
How does the structure of proteins relate to their function?
The sequence of amino acids determines the protein’s structure and function
What is the significance of complementary base pairing?
It ensures accurate replication and transcription of genetic information
How do mutations affect proteins?
Mutations can change the amino acid sequence, potentially altering protein function
What are the type of proteins and their structures?
• Enzymes: Biological catalysts (e.g., Catalase, Amylase )
• Antibodies : Involved in body defense
• Hormones: Chemical messengers (e.g., Insulin, Glucagon)
• Structural proteins: make up cell structure such as membranes
• Receptors: found in cell membranes and Recognise specific substances
What is the first stage of genetic engineering?
- Identify the required gene from the source chromosome.
What is the second stage of genetic engineering
- Extract the required gene using enzymes.
What is the 3rd stage of genetic engineering.
- Extract a plasmid from a bacterial cell.
What is the fourth stage of genetic engineering?
- Insert the required gene into the bacterial plasmid.
What is the fifth stage of genetic engineering?
- Insert the plasmid into a host bacterial cell .
What is the 6th stage of genetic engineering
- Produce a genetically modified organism.
Summarise all 6 stages of genetic engineering
- Identify the required gene from the source chromosome.
- Extract the required gene using enzymes.
- Extract a plasmid from a bacterial cell.
- Insert the required gene into the plasmid.
- Insert the plasmid into a host bacterial cell .
- Produce a genetically modified organism.
What is genetic engineering used for?
Genetic information can be transferred from one cell to another by genetic engineering
It produces specific proteins, such as hormones
What is the role of enzymes in genetic engineering?
Enzymes are used to cut and paste genes into plasmids
