Genome 1 + 2 Flashcards
(1)_ Describe DNA
> Is a double Helix
> It is a Polymer (a large molecule made up of many subunits) made up of two strands forming a twisted, ladder shape.
(1)_ What is a gene?
> A gene is a small section of DNA.
> Genes code of a sequence of amino acids, which combine to give a specific protein.
(1)_ Describe chromosomes
> Long strands of DNA are coiled up to form chromosomes
Chromosomes contain many genes.
Human body cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes, one of each pair coming from each parent.
(1)_ Detail vers > What is a Polymer
> Polymers are very large, chain-like molecules, which often extent for hundreds or thousand of atoms.
The atoms in a polymer molecule are joined by strong covalent bonds
(2)_ How would you extract DNA from a fruit?
> Grind a sample of fruit (e.g strawberry) in soapy water (detergent)
This breaks open cells, releasing the DNA from within cells.
Filter the sample to produce a filtrate
Very slowly, pour ice-cold ethanol into the filtrate.
The DNA moves into the ethanol by precipitation, and can then be removed with a wire loop.
(2)_ How has the Human Genome Project helped us/ been useful?
> Useful for Gene therapy (inserting new or modified genes into a cell’s genome to treat a disease)
Improving our understanding of the causes of inherited disorders and how we should be treating them.
Identifying genes linked to different disorders. > Would allow those at risk to make informed lifestyle decisions based on the known risk factors.
Knowing details of a patient’s genome might help doctors choose the medications that will help them the most.
(2)_ How could the completion of the Human Genome Project, and subsequent research on the human genome, be beneficial in tackling Cystic Fibrosis?
> The knowledge we have gained from the Human Genome Project and subsequent research can help us in identifying Cystic Fibrosis genes, allowing those carrying it to be made aware.
> It could also further our understanding of the disorder and how we should be treating it, and whether treatment should be different for people with key genome differences.
> It could lead to a treatment involving gene therapy.
