Genetics Flashcards
What is a triplet?
A sequence if 3 bases (codon) that codes for a specific amino acid.
What type of reaction joins nucleotides?
Condensation
What is messenger RNA?
mRNA is a long strand that is arranged into a single helix
Is a mirror image of the copied DNA strand
mRNA leaves the nucleus through the nuclear pores and associates with the ribosomes
Acts as a template onto which proteins are built
Can be easily broken down
What is ribosomal RNA (rRNA)?
Makes up ribosomes along with protein.
What is transfer RNA (tRNA)?
Single stranded chain folded into a clover shape
There is a part of the molecule that extends out and allows for amino acids to attach
At the opposite end of the molecule is an “anticodon”
The anticodon will pair with the 3 bases on the mRNA molecule
There are different types of tRNA each with a different “anticodon”
What is the enzyme that breaks up hydrogen bonds between DNA?
RNA polymerase
What is a karyotype?
Total chromosome complement in a typical body cell of a eukaryote.
Where does translation happen?
In the cytoplasm on the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
What is a polysome?
A group of ribosomes all moving along the same piece of mRNA and translating it simultaneously.
What is a mutation and what are the types of point mutation?
A random change in the amount or composition of DNA. Can be either a deletion, insertion or base substitution.
What is a frame shift mutation?
Happened when a base is inserted or deleted. All amino acids after this point will then be different, this can cause a non-functioning protein.
What does it mean that DNA is degenerate?
There are more codons than amino acids, therefore some amino acids have more than one codon.
What is an anticodon?
The triplet of bases at one end of a tRNA molecule that is complimentary to a particular codon on a mRNA molecule.
What is a cistron?
A gene
What bonds join amino acids in translation?
Peptide bonds
