Inheritance - DNA Flashcards
Where is DNA found
in the chromosomes
what is DNA
a polymer made up of two strands forming a double helix
why is DNA our genetic material
because our DNA determines our inherited features
what is a gene
a small section of DNA on a chromosome
how are proteins made
by joining together amino acids
what do genes do
each gene codes for a specific sequence of amino acids to make a specific protein
what is the genome
the entire genetic material of an organism
what are the benefits of the human genome
- understanding the human genome will help us search for genes that are linked to a specific disease, e.g - genes that are linked to cancer or Alzheimer’s
- Understanding the human genome may help us understand and treat inherited disorders such as Cystic fibrosis
- We can use the human genome to trace human migration patterns from the past, and this can help people discover their ancestry
what are DNA strands made from
nucleotides
what are nucleotides made up of
- a sugar
- a phosphate
- a base
what does the circle represent in a nucleotide
the phosphate group
what does the pentagon represent in a nucleotide
the sugar
what does the rectangle represent in a nucleotide
the base
what does complementary mean in terms of DNA bases
the same bases always pair on opposite strands
which bases pair to which in DNA
A and T pair
C and G pair
how many different amino acids are there in humans
20
what is the order of amino acids in a protein determined by
the sequence of bases in the gene for that protein
Stages of protein synthesis
- Proteins are made in the cell cytoplasm on tiny structures called ribosomes
- To make proteins, ribosomes use the code in the DNA, and dna is found in the nucleus, and cant move our as its too big, so the cell needs to get the code from the DNA to the ribosomes
- This is done using a molecule called mRNA which is made by copying the code from the DNA. The mRNA acts as a messenger between the DNA and ribosomes- carrying the code between the two
- the correct amino acids are brought to the ribosomes in the correct order by carrier molecules
what are proteins
polymers of amino acids
what does the order of amino acids in a protein determine
its shape and function