Genetics Flashcards
What is the definition of a gene?
A gene is a section of DNA that codes for a polypeptide chain
What bond is formed when two amino acids join together?
A peptide bond
When many amino acids join together, what is formed?
A polypeptide chain
What is the definition of an allele?
A different form of a gene
What is the basic structure of amino acids?
There is an amino group and a carboxylate group attached to a carbon atom
What does amniocentesis involve?
Removing amniotic fluid using a needle and syringe and screening the fetal epithelial cells it contains.
What are 3 disadvantages to amniocentesis?
It can cause spontaneous abortion.
The results take 2-3 weeks.
It can only be carried out relatively late in pregnancy.
What does chronic Villus sampling involve?
Taking a small sample of embryonic tissue from the developing placenta and testing it for genetic abnormalities.
What are two disadvantages to chronic villus sampling?
It can cause spontaneous abortion.
All paternal X chromosomes are inactivated in fetal placental cells so any problems in the genes on that chromosome cannot be identified.
What is the structure of RNA?
A single strand of nucleotides joined together
What sort of code is DNA?
A triplet code
