Genetics 10 Flashcards
Define genetics
The study of genes and inheritance
Define a chromosome
A structure in the nucleus of a cell that contains DNA
Define DNA
A molecule that carries genetic information for the development and functioning of an organism
Define a triplet codon
A group of 3 bases on mRNA that code for an amino acid
Define a polypeptide
A string of amino acids that connects with other polypeptides to form a protein
Define a genotype
The pair of genes that controls a specific characteristic in an organism (e.g. RR, rr, Rr)
Define a phenotype
The observable characteristic that results from one genotype (e.g. tall, short)
Define an allele
An alternative form of a specified gene (e.g. R for round, r for wrinkled)
Define the term homozygous
refers to a gene pair where both alleles are the same (e.g. RR)
Define the term heterozygous
refers to a gene pair where the alleles are different (E.g. Rr)
Define a mutation
The changing of a gene that results in a variant form that is permanent
Define a mutagen
Any environmental agent that causes a mutation. Can be chemical, physical or biological.
Define the term homologous
Chromosomes that carry the same genes that code for the same thing
Define the term diploid
The presence of two copies of each chromosome in an organism’s cells, with each parent contributing a chromosome to each pair.
Define the term haploid
The presence of only one of each chromosome in an organism’s cells
Describe the steps of X-Ray Crystallography
- x-rays are beamed at a sample of a chemical
- x-rays are diffracted by atoms in the chemical substance
- diffracted rays strike a screen behind the sample and are detected
- pattern of diffraction is used to work out the position of the atoms in the chemical substance
Describe the process of transcription
- The DNA for one gene unwinds
- Helicase “unzips” DNA
- RNA polymerase attaches free-floating nucleotides to the complimentary bases on the sense strand
- The mRNA strand detaches and leaves nucleus and enters the ribosome
Describe the process of translation
- The mRNA enters the ribosome
- The ribosome reads the sequence of bases on mRNA in triplet codons
- Free-floating transfer RNA attach to the triplet codons by complementary base pairing of their anticodon site
- Each tRNA brings its amino acid and places it in line
- The amino acids are connected in a chain & the tRNA detaches
- The amino acid chain forms a polypeptide
Describe the structure of a nucleotide
A phosphate attached to a pentagonal sugar molecule attached to a base
Which bases have a double hydrogen bond and which have a triple hydrogen bond?
A-T is a double bond, C-G is a triple bond
Give examples of a chemical mutagen
- tar
- asbestos
- benzene
How do chemicals cause mutations?
They are usually structurally similar to DNA. Prolonged exposure may lead to their incorporation in DNA by mistake during DNA replication, disrupting the normal DNA sequence.
How do physical mutagens cause mutations?
High energy electromagnetic radiation can penetrate cells & be absorbed by chemical bonds in DNA. The energy absorbed can break covalent bonds in DNA.