genetic information Flashcards
what is a gene?
a section of DNA that codes for a polypeptide and a functional RNA
what is the locus ?
the location of a particular gene on a chromosome
what is an allele ?
an allele is one form of alternative forms a gene
define chromosomes
chromosomes are tightly coiled up DNA
what is a homologous chromosome ?
a pair of chromosomes that have exactly the same genes
what is the name of the protein that the DNA is wrapped around ?
a histone
what is it called when the DNA is wrapped around the histones ?
nucleosome
describe in full detail how the DNA is stored in eukaryotic cells
the DNA is stored as chromosomes inside of the nucleus.
chromosomes in eukaryotic cells are linear in shape.
DNA is wrapped tightly around the protein histone so that it can fit inside the nucleus.
this complex of DNA wrapped around the histones is called a nucleosome.
what are the main differences in the DNA of prokaryotes in comparison to eukaryotes?
the DNA in prokaryotes is circular and much shorter than the one is eukaryotes
its also not wrapped around proteins (histones)
and its free in the cytoplasm
what are 2 other organelles that have their own DNA?
mitochondria and chloroplasts
how is prokaryotic DNA similar to the DNA found in chloroplasts and mitochondria?
they are circular
not histone bound
they are shorter that normal eukaryotic DNA
