(LE2) Microbial Genetics Flashcards
Define genetics
the study of genes and inheritance patterns
Define chromosomes
the form DNA takes in cells
How many pairs of chromosomes do humans have?
23 pairs linear chromosome
How many chromosomes do bacteria have?
1 circular chromosome
Define genome
all the chromosomes of a single cell
Define genes
segments of a chromosome
1 gene = 1 protein
Define alleles
variations in a single gene
Define genotype
the complete set of genes in an organism
Define phenotype
the traits resulting from the genes
How are nucleotides bound together in DNA?
Covalent bonds
- sugar-phosphate backbone
How are the two strands of DNA bound together? What is the orientation they form in?
Nitrogenous bases bound by hydrogen bonds
Strands run antiparallel
How do you ID the 5’C end?
contains a phosphate group
Where do you add nucleotides
Always to the 3’ end
(5’ —-> 3’)
How do you ID the 3’C prime end?
contains hydroxyl group (-OH)
What type of reaction bonds nucleotides together? What is that bond called?
Dehydration synthesis to create the phosphodiester linkage
What is the first step in the flow of genetic information transfer?
DNA replication: occurs prior to cell division to make an exact copy of the genome to pass to next generation
Why is DNA replication a semiconservative process?
It uses two strands of the original DNA to serve as template for the synthesis of new strands
What enzymes are involved in DNA replication?
- DNA Helicase
- DNA Primase
- DNA Polymerase
- DNA Ligase
DNA Helicase function
separates two DNA strands to allow for replication
- creates replication fork
- binds ori (origin of replication)
DNA primase function
lays down temporary RNA primer
- leading strand is made continuously. Only needs one primer
- lagging strand made in fragments. Needs multiple primers
DNA polymerase function
builds new DNA chain by adding nucleotides to 3’ end
- contains proofreading ability to catch and correct mistakes
DNA ligase function
ligates lagging strand fragments (Okasaki fragments) together
Describe the steps of DNA replication
- Helicase binds at ori and unravels DNA
- creates replication bubble and replication fork
- Primase lays down RNA primer at free 5’ end of new daughter strand
- DNA polymerase adds DNA nucleotides to 3’ hydroxyl end
- leading strand keeps adding nucleotides
- lagging strand requires multiple primers and be made in fragments (Okasaki fragments)
- DNA polymerase will replace RNA primers with DNA nucleotides
- DNA ligase joins Okasaki fragments together
What steps of DNA replication are occurring in this drawing?
- Helicase binds at ori and unravels DNA
- creates replication bubble and replication fork
- Primase lays down RNA primer at free 5’ end of new daughter strand
What steps of DNA replication are occurring in this drawing?
- DNA polymerase adds DNA nucleotides to 3’ hydroxyl end
- leading strand keeps adding nucleotides
- lagging strand requires multiple primers and be made in fragments (Okasaki fragments)
What steps of DNA replication are occurring in this drawing?
- DNA polymerase will replace RNA primers with DNA nucleotides
What steps of DNA replication are occurring in this drawing?
- DNA ligase joins Okasaki fragments together
What is different in bacterial DNA replication?
Contains DNA gyrase instead of DNA Helicase. All other steps are the same
- target for magic bullet
DNA Gyrase: separates DNA strands to create replication forks
Transcription vs. Translation
Transcription is used to make a copy of one gene
Translation is to create protein from the copied gene
Where is gene expression done in eukaryotes?
TXN: nucleus
TSN: cytoplasm (ribosome/RER)