Genes and variation Flashcards
Define gene
A section of DNA in a chromosome coding for one if more polypeptides
Define locus
The position of a gene on a chromosome
What does the gene code for
Amino acid sequence of a polypeptide
A functional RNA including ribosomal RNA and transfer RNA
How many DNA bases code for an amino acid? Why?
3
- Only 20 amino acids regularly occur in proteins
- Each amino acid must have its own code of bases on the DNA
- If each base coded for a different amino acid only 4 amino acid could be coded
- pairs would make 16
- threes make 64 which satisfies 20
Outline 5 features of the genetic code?
- Two amino acids are coded for by a single codon
- The remaining are coded by 2-6
- degenerate code
- triplet is always read in one direction
- the start of the sequence is always coded by one codon
- three codons are stop codons
- each base is only read once (non-overlapping)
- universal coding in all organisms
Define exon
Coding sequence of bases
Define intron
Non-coding sequences of bases
Code for something else
Outline how DNA is in a prokaryote
Shorter
Circular
Not associated with proteins (histones)
No chromosomes
Outline how DNA is in a eukaryote
Longer Linear Linked to proteins (histones) Form chromosomes Mitochondria and chloroplasts contain prokaryote like DNA
Outline the structure of a chromosome
Dispersed throughout the nucleus until cell division
DNA double helix appears as two threads joined by a single point (chromatids)
DNA molecule DNA with histones Coiled DNA histones complex Coils fold to form loops Loops coil and pack together to form a chromosome
Define allele
Alternative form of a gene
Define cancer
A disease resulting from mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell division
Forms a group of abnormal cells called a tumour
From which cells may break away and form secondary tumours elsewhere
Define chromosome
A thread like structure made up from one long DNA molecule
Define chromatid
One arm of a double stranded chromosome
Define centriole
Tiny bundles of protein that form a network of protein fibres called the spindle
Define centromere
The point at which 2 strands of a chromosome are joined together
Define crossing over
When chromatids twist around each other
and bits of them swap over during meiosis
alleles are exchanged between homologous chromosomes
Define differentiation
The process by which cells become specialised
Define diploid
When a cell contains 2 copies of each chromosome (body cell)
Define haploid
When a cell contains 1 copy of each chromosome (gametes)
Define genotype
The alleles an organism has