Genetics Flashcards
Where is DNA found?
•DNA is in every cell of every living thing
•it is found within the chromosomes of the cell
•chromosomes work to build proteins and assist in duplication or division of the cells
James Watson and Francis Crick
•in 1953, they concluded that the DNA molecule appears as a three-dimensional double helix
Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins
•they used X-ray crystallography to study DNA’s structure, which helped Watson and Crick with their discovery
What is DNA
•the unique structure of DNA allows it to be the hereditary molecule and allows it to store instructions for directing cell activities
Cell
•a cell is the smallest unit of an organism and cells are known as the building blocks of life
•most human cell types contain a nucleus
Nucleus
•the nucleus control the cell, but it is also where genetic information is stored
•the nucleus contains structures called chromosomes
•chromosomes are made of DNA
Chromosome
•each chromosome is made up of a single molecule of DNA
•the cross shape we associate with chromosomes arises when the DNA copies itself, coils and condenses for cell division (mitosis)
DNA & Genes
•DNA (deoxyribose nucleic acid) carries the genetic information of a living being
•a section of DNA is known as a gene
•genes contain the code for the production of a particular protein within a cell
Locating a gene
•the images show the levels of organization from the nucleus to a chromosome, DNA and finally a gene
23 pairs
•each human body cell contains 46 chromosome (23 pair)
•the pairs carry the same type of genes
•people with specific conditions and syndromes may have an extra chromosome
XX and XY
•the 23rd pair of chromosomes are known as the sex chromosomes
•in females, the chromosome pair are identical and known as XX
•in males, the chromosome pair are different and known as XY
DNA makeup
•phosphate, base, and deoxyribose sugar
Gene shape
double helix
Nitrogen Bases
Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, and Guanine (a & t, g & c)
Nucleotide
•the backbone of DNA is formed by alternating sugar and phosphates held together by a strong bond
•the rings of the ladder are formed by the four nitrogen bases and are held together by weak hydrogen bonds
What does DNA look like?
•the bases of DNA pair with each other in a predictable way
•a pairs with t
•c pairs with g
How does DNA work?
•the 3 letters of DNA make up codons
•these chemicals are repeated in various orders over and over
•these codons make up genes
•these genes tell cells how to make a protein that controls everything in the cell
Locus
•locus is a term that we use to tell us where on a chromosome a specific gene is
•so it’s really the physical location of a gene on a chromosome
•it’s a way of defining the gene’s neighborhood
•if you consider the entire chromosome as a country where the gene is found, and then a region of the chromosome would be the city
•the more specific area, or the locus, is this particular neighborhood where the gene is found
DNA in forensic science
•DNA fingerprinting is an essential tool in forensic science
•it does not precisely determine the suspects identity but helps narrow it down
DNA sequencing
•developed in 1970s (Sanger sequencing)
•determines the order of neucleotides in DNA
•originally slow and costly, sequencing has become faster and cheaper, leading to entire genome projects like the Human Genome Project
•revolutionized genetics by making it possible to study genetic variations, maps genes associated with diseases, and better understand evolutionary relationships
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
•developed in 1983
•a technique used to amplify small amount of DNA, making it easier to analyze genetic material
•widely used in genetic testing, forensics, and medical diagnostics
•transformed genetics and biology by allowing precise detection of genetic material in areas such as disease diagnosis, forensic science, and environmental monitoring
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
•developed 1970-1980
•organisms whose DNA had been altered using genetic engineering techniques to exhibit desired traits, such as pest resistance in crops
•have significantly impacted agriculture by increasing crop yields, reducing pesticide use, and enabling the development of nutrient-enriched foods like golden rice
Recombinant DNA Technology
•developed in 1973
•involves combining DNA from different organisms to create hybrid molecules that can be replicated in host organisms
•this technology led to the production of human insulin, hepatitis vaccines, and various medical treatments marking the beginning of the biotechnology industry
DNA Fingerprinting
•developed in 1984
•used variations in DNA sequences to identify individuals
•widely used in forensics, paternity testing, and genetic research
•has transformed criminal investigation and legal cases by providing a reliable method for identification based on genetic material, with wide implications in law and security