Genetic theory Flashcards
Nucleic acid
polynucleotide macromolecule eg: DNA and RNA
Non-nuclear DNA
- found in mitochondria or chloroplast
- role: allows organelles to reproduce without a nucleus
Heredity
the passing of features from parents to offspring by means of genes
Species
Group of similar organisms capable of interbreeding to produce fertile offspring
Non-coding DNA
DNA which does not code for a protein also known as “Junk DNA”
Codon
- Three bases in a sequence
- Each codon codes for an amino acid
- During protein synthesis
Gene expression
The way in which the genetic code in a gene is decoded and used to make a protein
Gene
- Collection of codons
- Contains the genetic code to form a protein
- Controls a particular characteristic
Genetic screening
Test to establish the presence or absence of a gene
Outline the procedure for Genetic screening
- “DNA probe” is added to a DNA sample with a gene taken from the person being tested.
- DNA probe only attaches to the normal gene.
- DNA that does not attach is the altered gene.
Name the 2 scientists that described the DNA structure
Watson and Crick
What does DNA stand for?
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Where is DNA located
Nucleus
What is the shape of DNA
Double helix
What is the basic building block of DNA
The nucleotide
What does nucleotide consist of
- Phosphate
- Sugar
- Nitrogen base
Name the 4 types of bases
- Adenine
- Guanine
- Thymine
- Cytosine
How are the 2 strands held together?
Hydrogen bonds
What are complementary base pairs?
Each base has a corresponding matching base
How many hydrogen bonds are between adenine and thymine? Guanine and Cytosine?
- 2 hydrogen bonds
2. 3 hydrogen bonds
What are these bases classified as?
- Adenine and Guanine
- Thymine and Cytosine
- Purines
2. Pyrimidines
Function of DNA
- Carries and passes on genetic information from parents to offspring in the form of genes
- Bacteria has one chromosome composed of DNA only
Describe the nature of the genetic code
- A codon is 3 bases in a sequence
- Each gene codes for one amino acid
- Gene consists of a collection of codons that collectively code for one protein
- mRNA copies the genetic code from DNA and brings it to the ribosome in the cytoplasm where protein synthesis occurs
Define DNA replication
DNA makes exact copies of itself which are passed on from one generation to the next
Name the 2 main stages of DNA replication
- Opening of DNA double helix
2. The synthesis of complementary nucleic acid strands alongside the existing strands to form two identical helices
Outline the account for DNA replication
- DNA replication occurs during the interphase of cell division and involves making an exact copy of DNA
- Hydrogen bonds between the base pairs break down
- The two strands separate
- Each DNA acts as a template to form a new complementary strand
- DNA nucleotides from the cytoplasm move into the nucleus and match up with their corresponding nucleotide on the exposed DNA strands
- Two exact copies of DNA are made called helices
- Each new double-strand rewinds to form a double helix
- This process requires energy from ATP and the anabolic enzyme DNA polymerase which is a catalyst to assemble DNA nucleotides
What does RNA stand for
Ribonucleic acid
How are the DNA and RNA similar?
- Both nucleic acids
- Both contain the bases Adenine, Guanine and Cytosine
How do DNA and RNA differ from one another?
DNA - Double Helix - Sugar - Base (Thymine) - Location: Nucleus RNA - Single strand - Ribose - Uracil - Location: nucleus and cytoplasm
Name the 3 types of RNA
- rRNA- ribosomal RNA
- mRNA- messenger RNA
- tRNA- transfer RNA
Describe rRNA
- Forms the ribosomes
2. Holds mRNA in place at the ribosome during protein synthesis
Describe mRNA
- Transcribes the genetic code from DNA
2. mRNA carries this code to the ribosome