IMMS: Week 1 Flashcards
Describe the structure of DNA
Double helix which complementary base pairing (A-T + G-C) -> nucleosomes -> supercoils -> chromosomes
How many chromosomes are there in an individual
46
What is an autosomal chromosome
One that is not sex-determining
What are the sex chromosomes in males and females
Males - XY and Females - XX
What is a karyotype
The number and appearance of a chromosome in a cell, arranged in order of size
How are chromosomes arranged in a karyotype
Pair 1 is the LARGEST, pair 22 is the SMALLEST, sex pair is 23
How many base pairs does each DNA duplex have
10^7 base pairs
How many genes do we have
22,000
Describe the arms of a chromosome
Each has a p (small) and a q (long) arm
What is mitosis
The division of a parent cell into two identical diploid daughter cells
What is DNA not in replication called
chromatin
What is DNA during replication called
Chromosomes
What is DNA following replication called
Chromatids
What stage of the cell cycle do we have to be in so mitosis can occur
Interphase
What is the longest phase of the cell cycle
Interphase
What happens in G1
No visible activity: Rapid Growth Normal Metabolic Function New Organelles produced Protein synthesis of those involved in spindle formation
What happens in synthesis
DNA doubles through DNA replication
Histone proteins double through protein synthesis
Centrosome replication
What happens in G2
Chromosomes condense
Energy stores accumulate
Mitochondria and centrioles double
What happens in prophase
Chromatin condenses into chromosomes
Centrosomes nucleate microtubules and move to opposite poles of the nucleus
What happens in metaphase
Chromosomes line up along the equatorial plane
What happens in anaphase
Sister chromatids separate and are pushed to opposite poles of the cells, centromere first as spindle fibres contract
What happens in telophase
Nuclear membrane forms
Chromosomes unfold into chromatin
Cytokinesis begins
What happens in cytokinesis
Cell organelles are distributes evenly across the two daughter cells
Cytoplasm divides
What is Down Syndrome
An extra chromosome at 21 (trisomy 21)
How can we tell on histological slides if a cell is undergoing mitosis
Dark nuclei and if the nuclei are not all the same size
Is meiosis a cycle?
No
What is the product of meiosis
4 haploid daughter cells which are distinct from each other and the parent cell
Where does crossing over of sister chromatids occur
meiosis 1 when chromosomes pair up into homologous pairs
Where does random assortment of chromosomes occur
In metaphase 1
What is the product of oogenesis
One egg cell and two polar bodies
Define non-disjunction
Nondisjunction is the failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate properly during cell division
Name the two types of non-disjunction
Failure of separation of homologous chromosomes - meiosis I
Failure of sister chromatids to separate - meiosis II
What condition can this result in
Down Syndrome
Define Gonadal mosaicism
When precursor germline cells are a mixture of two or more genetically identical cell lines
One cell line is normal, the other is mutated
How can incidence of gonadal mosaicism increase
Increasing paternal age
Is gonadal mosaicism more common in males or females
Males
Is the parent also affected with gonadal mosaicism. Explain your answer
No because it results from mutation of the germline and not via inheritance
What inheritance pattern is usually seen with gonadal mosaicism
Autosomal dominant or X-linked
How common are genetic diseases
Not very rare but enough for us to make services which tailor to these conditions
Four examples of genetic diseases
Huntingtons
Cystic Fibrosis
Downs Syndrome
Haemophilia
What are multifactorial diseases
A combination of genetic and environmental factors
What is the main type of disease affecting developed countries
Multifactorial
Four examples of multifactorial diseases
Diabetes
Spina Bifida
Cleft Lip
Schizophrenia
What is the main cause of disease in third world and A&E
Environmental
What chromosomes are autosomal
1-22 (No sex chromosome)
What is a locus
The position of a gene/DNA on the genetic map