DNA structures Flashcards
What is a genome
The genome is the entire set of DNA instructions found in a cell. And it is found within an organelle called the nucleus
What does the human genome consist of
In humans, the genome consists of 23 pairs of chromosomes located in the cell’s nucleus, as well as a small chromosome in the cell’s mitochondria. A genome contains all the information needed for an individual to develop and function.
23,000 genes make up a genome
Male and Female sex chromosomes
Women have 2 X chromosomes and men have one X chromosome and 1 Y chromosome
What are traits and how are they determined
A variation of a characteristic is called a trait. And your traits are determined by a special molecule called DNA
What is DNA
DNA is the molecule that carries genetic information for the development and functioning of an organism. DNA is made of two linked strands that wind around each other to resemble a twisted ladder — a shape known as a double helix.
What is DNA made up of
DNA is made up of repeating building blocks called nucleotides.
- They consist of a Base, Phosphate, and a Sugar
What are histones
A histone is a protein that provides structural support for a chromosome. Each chromosome contains a long molecule of DNA, which must fit into the cell nucleus. To do that, the DNA wraps around complexes of histone proteins, giving the chromosome a more compact shape. Histones also play a role in the regulation of gene expression.
What is the purpose of the 4 bases
The bases are a 4 letter alphabet found within DNA. The order of these bases determines the genetic code which determines the characteristics of an organism
What are the 4 bases
Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, Cytosine
What are chromosomes
Each cell in an organism contains the molecule DNA, which is a set of instructions for particular characteristics in a species. The DNA in cells is not stored as one long molecule, but is divided into several individual lengths called chromosomes.
What are genes
Genes are a section of a chromosome that codes for a particular protein.
What are alleles
Alleles are different variations of the same gene. They come in pairs, one on each chromosome. The allele that is more dominant is the allele that manifests itself during development
Homozygous
Two identical alleles for a particular characteristic in each cell
Heterozygous
Two different alleles for a particular characteristic in each cell
Genotype
The genetic make-up of a person – the genetic information in a cell
