Genetics Flashcards
Cell Theory
- all living things are made from cells
- cells come from other cells
- cells are the basic unit of life
What makes up DNA?
- A sequence of nucleotides are stored in DNA molecules;
- A 5 carbon sugar called deoxyribose
- A phosphate group (PO4)
- One of the four nitrogenous bases (Adenine/Thymine, Guanine/Cytosine)
What is DNA (structure)?
- Double stranded a
- Alpha helix
- Nitrogenous bases are held together by hydrogen bond
- Sugar-phosphate backbone
Why is the sequence of nucleotides relevant?
The sequence of nucleotides in DNA determines the order of amino acid in proteins, which is responsible for all characteristics of an organism
What are the organelles necessary for the synthesis of proteins?
- Nucleus: stores the genetic material in eukaryotic cells
- Ribosomes: made in nucleolus and join the amino acids in a chain
- Rough endoplasmic reticulum: folds the protein into proper shape and transports them throughout cell
- Golgi body: adds carbohydrate chains/metal ions or joins subunits if necessary + packages the finished proteins for transport in vesicles
Asexual Reproduction
- Method of reproduction in which 1 individual transmits the hereditary information to the next generation
- Nucleus divides by mitosis
Mitosis
division of nucleus (DNA)
Prophase
- DNA (chromatin) condenses into chromosomes
- Nuclear membrane breaks down and nucleolus disappears
- Spindle fibers form from the centrosome as they seperate to opposite poles
Metaphase
- Condensed chromosomes line up on equator guided by spindle fibers which are joined to centromere of sister chromatids
Anaphase
- Centromere splits, forming daughter chromosomes
- Chromosomes are pulled to opposite poles by spindle fibers
Telophase
- Begins once chromosomes have reached opposite poles of the cell
- Nuclear membrane reforms with nucleolus
- Daughter chromosomes uncoil
- Spindle fibers break down
Cytokinesis (why + animal/plant)
- Occurs to divide the cytoplasm and its organelles in it resulting in 2 identical daughter cells
- Animal: microfilaments pinch cytoplasm in half forming a cleavage furrow
- Plants: cell plate forms between 2 daughter nuclei, then cell walls form
Sexual Reproduction
- Method of reproduction in which 2 individuals are needed to transmit the hereditary information to next generation
- Cucleus divides by meiosis
- Each parent contributes a gametes to offspring in the process of fertilization
this doubles the amount of DNA (2n) in newly formed cell, called zygote which splits to form embryo
Homologus chromosomes
Chromosomes that contain the same genes/genetic information (but not identical); 1 comes from mother and 1 comes from father
Diploid
Cells that contain 2 sets of genetic information (2n) or body cells
Haploid
Cells that have 1 set of genetic information (n) or sex cells
Gene
Portion of DNA with information for 1 protein (aka, eye colour)
Allele
Different versions of a gene (blue eyes or brown eyes?
Independant assortment
Maternal and paternal chromosomes randomly line up in the middle of the cell during metaphase; orientation of maternal and paternal chromosomes is independant of other pairs
Zygote
Egg and sperm fused together after fertilization, divides into an embryo
Tetrad
2 homologous chromosomes, each with their sister chromatids
Chiasmata
Point that is holding homologous chromosomes together, crossing over occurs here
Synapsis
Pairing up of homologous chromosomes to form tetrad
Types of chromosomes in cells
- Sex chromosomes determine sex of individual (1 pair)
- Autosomal chromosomes determine the physical characteristics (1-22 chromosome pairs)
Meiosis goals
- Reduction division - forms daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell
- Genetic variability - daughter cells have different combinations of alleles from one another and the parent cell
(Crossing over, independant assortment, fertilization)
Meiosis I
- Separation of homologous chromosomes
- Produces 2 different haploid cells