Genetics Flashcards
What is DNA?
A molecule that carries genetic information (deoxyribonucleic acid)
What is the purpose of a chromosome?
It contains a molecule of DNA where genetic information is stored DNA is more precisely in long fibers called chromatin which is the material that makes up a chromosome
What is a gene?
It is a segment of a DNA molecule that codes for a particular trait; found at a specific location on a chromosome. -Genes also code for proteins -Mistakes in genes=mistakes in proteins
What is the structure of DNA?
DNA consists of a long chain of subunits called Nucleotides. DNA is a molecule composed of two Polynucleotide chains that coil around each other to form a double helix that carries genetic instructions.(It is a double helix)
What is the composition if a nucleotide?
DNA consisting of a long chain of subunits (smaller units)
What are the 3 parts of a nucleotide?
- A ring-shaped sugar called deoxyribose
- A phosphate group
- A nitrogenous base (made of carbon and nitrogen)
What is the sugar-phosphate backbone (handrails)?
Nucleotides link together by phosphodiester bonds to create a polynucleotide chain.
What are nitrogenous bases (the stairs)?
The nitrogenous base form base-pairs via hydrogen bonding and join the two complimentary strands in DNA.
What are nitrogenous bases joined to?
The DNA backbone by a glycosyl bond..
What are the 2 types of nitrogenous bases?
Pyrimidine bases (single ring) and Purine bases (double ring)
What are all the pyrimidine bases?
Uracil (U) (found in RNA) Thymine (T) Cytosine (C)
What are all the purine bases?
Adenine (A) Guanine (G)
What nitrogenous bases bond with each other?
Adenine (A) always bonds with Thymine (T), Cytosine (C) always bonds with Guanine (G) *Note: The two strands are antiparallel (they start in opposite directions)
How many chromosomes do humans have?
Human body cells have 46 chromosomes (2 pairs of 23). 44 of the chromosomes are autosomes. 2 are sex chromosomes
What are the stages of the cell cycle?
- Growth Phase 1
- Synthesis Phase
- Growth Phase 2
- Mitotic Phase (Mitosis occurs here)
What are the stages of mitosis?
PMAT (Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase)
What happens during prophase in Mitosis?
- -Chromosomes begin to shorten and thicken
- -Nuclear membrane dissolves
- -Centrioles move to opposite poles of the cell
- -Spindle fibers attach to the centromeres, which hold the sister chromatid together.
What happens during metaphase in mitosis?
-Chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell
What happens during anaphase in mitosis?
-Sister chromatids are pulled apart by spindle fibers and move to opposite ends of the cell
What happens during telophase in mitosis?
- -Nuclear membranes form around the chromosomes on either end of the cell
- -The cell pinches in the middle (Then Cytokinesis takes place where it divides the cytoplasm of a parental cell into two daughter cells)
What are telomeres?
Every time DNA replicates, a small amount of DNA is lost. To help reduce this loss, the chromosomes have protective caps called telomeres. After many many many many divisions, the telomeres become too short and the cell can no longer divide.
What are genetically modified organisms (GMO’s)?
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) involves inserting a desired gene from one species into the DNA of another species. (Ex. healthy fats genes inserted into pigs to make them more healthy)
In which type of cells does mitosis occur?
Eukaryotic cells
What is the result of mitosis?
A parent cell has divided successfully into two identical daughter cells.
What are sister chromatids?
The identical copy of a single chromosome that remains attached to the original chromosome at the centromere.
What is cloning?
The process of producing one individual that is genetically identical to another, using a single cell or tissue. (Can be a natural process or unnatural)
What is a karyotype?
a picture of all the chromosomes in a cell.
What are all the stages of meiosis?
Prophase I, Metaphase I, Anaphase I, Telophase I, Prophase II, Metaphase II, Anaphase II, Telophase II.
What happens during prophase l in meiosis?
- -Homologous chromosomes line up beside each other, creating sister chromatids
- -Spindle fibres form, centrioles form
- -Crossing over occurs
What happens during metaphase l in meiosis?
- -Homologous chromosomes line up at the middle of the cell
- -*In meiosis, homologous chromosomes line up beside each other
What happens during anaphase l in meiosis?
Homologous CHROMOSOMES are separated and move towards opposite poles (i.e. the chromosome 1s are separated, the chromosome 2s are separated, etc.) Independent assortment occurs: some of your chromosomes from your mother go to one cell, and some go to the other
What happens during telophase I in meiosis?
- -Two nuclei are formed: each new cell now has 2 copies of each chromosome.
- -Spindle fibres break down
- -At this point, the sister chromatid are identical
What happens during prophase II in meiosis?
- -Spindle fibres form
- -Centrioles form
*Note sometimes before prophase II, Interphase II occurs.
What happens during metaphase II in meiosis?
-Chromosomes line up up at the middle of the cell
What happens during anaphase II in meiosis?
- -Chromosomes separate
- -Notice that this time the sister CHROMATIDS split apart, meaning we will only have half the number of chromosomes in each daughter cell
What happens during telophase II in meiosis?
- -Nuclear membrane forms
- -4 daughter haploid cells are produced (sperm or egg cells)
- -Each cell has one of each homologous chromosome
- -Each cell is unique because of: Independent assortment, crossing over
What are the types of cells that undergo meiosis?
Sperm and egg cells will undergo meiosis in order to reproduce.
What is the result of meisosis?
Haploid gametes are formed.
What are diploids?
Diploids have two sets of each chromosome. For each pair, one chromosome is from your mother and one chromosome is from your father
What are haploids?
Haploid cells have one of each chromosome. Each chromosome could be from either your mother or father.
What is fertilization?
The haploid sperm and haploid egg join together to form a diploid zygote.
What are Homologous Chromosomes?
A pair of chromosomes that code for the same feature