DNA, RNA, Protein Synthesis, Mutations Flashcards
What is a gene
A sequence of DNA that codes for the production of a specific protein (trait)
What is a allele
A version of a gene
What is a chromosome
Coiled molecule of DNA
Contains thousands of genes
Humans have 46 (23 pairs)
Only visible when cell is preparing to divide (mitosis or meiosis)
What is DNA
Double helix (Watson + cricks), made of nucleotides, phosphate, deoxyribose, nitrogenous bases, binded by weak hydrogen bonds. Order/sequence of nucleotides determines genes -> proteins -> traits
What are the parts of a chromosome
Long part on bottom: Chromatid
Middle part: Centromere
Inside lines -> Genes
What is rna
Ribonucleic acid, Single stranded , A, C, G, U
What are 3 types of RNA and their functions
mRna -> Messenger RNA, carries code for the protein in its pattern to the ribosome
tRna -> small, specific, rnas that bring individual amino acids to ribosome.
rRna - > makes up ribosomes
What’s transcription
In nucleus, DNA is rewritten as mRna, then mRna leaves nucleus, mRna finds ribosome in cytoplasm or ER
What’s translation
ribosome reads mRnA code and builds protein
What’s a mutation
Any change in DNA -> may lead to production of a abnormal protein
Causes of mutations:
Extra/Missing chromosomes, UV light, X rays, some viruses, chemicals, some can cause cancer
In order for mutations to be passed down:
It must be present in gamotes (sex cells) some mutations can be advantages or disadvantages.
Why would a cell replicate its dna
so new cells contain the same genetic info.
how does the environment affect the genes?
For example, ph levels turn gene on or off for pigment on flower, or animal has more fur in colder parts of head, or plants turn black under darkness .
Mitosis and Meosis
Mitosis makes exact copies, ( body cells), Meosis makes copies of DNA and separates it. (gametes cells.)
Types of Mutations
Insertion, adds a base
Substitution, swaps a base for another
Deletion, deletes a base
What are stem cells
Undifferentiated cells, could become any cell type,
Other DNA notes?
all body cells have identical DNA, different cell types activate different genes to make the proteins they need.
