DNA the Molecule Flashcards

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1
Q

What does DNA stand for?

A

Deoxyribonucleic acid

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2
Q

Define the term DNA?

A

DNA is the carrier of genetic information. It is a self-replicating material that is present in living organisms’ cells that have a nucleus and is the main part of chromosomes.

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3
Q

What DNA model do we use today?

A

The Watson-Crick DNA model was founded in 1953.

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4
Q

What are the four bases in DNA?

A

Adenine, Thymine, Guanine and Cytosine.

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5
Q

What is a nucleotide composed of?

A
  • Phosphate group
  • Deoxyribose sugar
  • One of four nitrogen-rich bases (A,T,C,G)
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6
Q

What are the complementary base pairs?

A
  • Adenine and Thymine

- Guanine and Cytosine

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7
Q

Where are chromosomes found?

A

Chromosomes are found in the nucleus of a cell and carry strands of DNA.

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8
Q

What are sex chromosomes?

A

They are one pair of chromosomes that define whether you are male or female.

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9
Q

How many chromosomes and pairs do we have?

A

46 chromosomes, 22 pairs with 1 pair of sex chromosomes.

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10
Q

What are autosomal chromosomes?

A

Autosomal chromosomes are the 44 chromosomes or 22 pairs that don’t include the sex chromosomes.

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11
Q

What chromosome pairs do females have?

A

Females have homologous sex chromosomes, XX.

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12
Q

What chromosome pairs do males have?

A

Males have XY sex chromosomes.

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13
Q

What are homologous chromosomes?

A

Homologous chromosomes are identical copies of each other, same length and attached at a centromere. They have genes located in the same spot on both of them.

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14
Q

What are genes?

A

Genes are sections of DNA arranged along the chromosomes. The order of the bases along the DNA strand is the genetic code. Each gene codes for a specific protein/characteristic.

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15
Q

What are the types of proteins?

A
  • Structural, such as collagen (in tendons and ligaments).
  • Enzymes, such as amylase (helps digest starches).
  • Regulatory, such as growth hormone (stimulates growth and cell reproduction).
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16
Q

What is a chromosome?

A

A thread-like structure, made of DNA wrapped around proteins.

17
Q

What is a polypeptide?

A

A single chain made up of many amino acids. A protein is made of one or more polypeptides.

18
Q

Where can DNA be found in organisms?

A

DNA can be found in the nuclei of cells. Some DNA also occurs in the mitochondria, and in plants, there is also DNA in chloroplasts.