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Bio II > Lecture 18-19: Nucleic Acids > Flashcards

Lecture 18-19: Nucleic Acids Flashcards

(just by heart and weaknesses)

1
Q

Functions of Nucleic acids (3)

A
  1. Genetic material
  2. Gene expression
  3. Gene regulation
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2
Q

Characteristics of genetic material

A
  1. Carry information
  2. Can be replicated
  3. Can be transmitted to offspring
  4. Can be changed by mutation
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3
Q

Information carried by genetic material

A
  1. genes
  2. info to regulate gene expression
  3. directions for DNA replication
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4
Q

Where is genetic material found?

A

DNA

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5
Q

Gene

A

units that encode polypeptides (and other products)

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6
Q

What are the two types of RNA

A
  1. non-coding RNA
  2. transfer RNA
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7
Q

What is said to be and “intermediate” between DNA and protein? Why?

A

mRNA

DNA-like: perform key function in info processing

Protein-like: functions as a catalytic molecule

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8
Q

What do you call an RNA that performs catalytic functions

A

a ribozyme

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9
Q

What happens during splicing in RNA processing?

A

The introns (non-coding parts of RNA) removed and exons (coding) joined tgt

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10
Q

Exceptions to the central dogma of gene expression

A
  1. Many genes encode functional RNA (non-coding RNA) and are used directly (don’t follow the process)
  2. some genes encode protein subunits which need to be combines with others to function
  3. reverse transcription: when info flows from RNA to DNA
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11
Q

Name the pyrimidines

A

cytosine, uracil (RNA), thymine (DNA)

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12
Q

Name the purines

A

guanine, adenine

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13
Q

Which is larger, pyrimidines or purines

A

purines

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14
Q

Components of nucleic acid

A
  1. phosphate group
  2. nitrogenous base
  3. 5-carbon sugar
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15
Q

What is the direction of the sugar-phosphate backbone of nucleic acids?

A

nucleic sequence written in 5’->3’ direction (nucleic acids added to 3’ end)

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16
Q

Between RNA and DNA, which is more chemically active? Why?

A

RNA; more chemical groups exposed

17
Q

Between RNA and DNA, which has a more complex highest level of structure?

A

RNA: 3º - 4º level

needed for its “protein-like” functions

18
Q

Between RNA and DNA, which can store genetic information?

19
Q

What are chromosomes made of?

A

condensed chromatin wrapped around histone

20
Q

What are the two types of chromatin in a resting cell?

A

euchromatin: loosely packed, make up active regions of genome

heterochromatin: densely packed, inactive regions of genome

21
Q

Why is DNA compact and condensed in the metaphase?

A
  1. prevent damage
  2. promote proper distribution
22
Q

Why is (some) DNA loosely packed as chromatin fibers during the interphase?

A

DNA needs to be accessible for DNA replication and gene expression

23
Q

What are the epigenic modifications? What is another way of calling this?

A

DNA methylation

Histone methylation / acetylation

Chromatin remodelling

24
Q

What is chromatin remodelling for?

A

regulate gene expression

Histone acetylation to open chromatin (activate)

Histone/DNA methylation to close chromatin (deactivate)

25
Q

Who found the “transforming theory”

A

Griffith in 1928

26
Q

Who first found evidence that the “transforminf substance” is DNA?

A

Avery, McCarty & MacLeod in 1944

27
Q

Who found more evidence that viral genes are DNA?

A

Hershey and Chase in 1952

28
Q

Functions DNA technology

A
  1. isolate and amplify DNA sequences (DNA cloning)
  2. Analyze DNA sequences
  3. Modify DNA sequences
  4. Perform transgenesis
29
Q

What are the tools and techniques used in DNA technology?

A
  1. Restriction enzymes
  2. Vectors
  3. Gel electrophoresis
30
Q

What are the two types of vectors?

A

Cloning vector: transfer DNA in host cells and replicate it

Expression vector: expresses gene form cloned DNA in host cell

31
Q

Give 3 examples of vectors

A

1- plasmids
2- viruses
3- artificial chromosomes

32
Q

Name two applications of DNA technology

A
  1. DNA cloning
  2. Restriction Fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)
33
Q

What are the two main goals of DNA cloning?

A
  1. Produce large amounts of a specific gene
  2. Expressing cloned genes to produce encoded protein
34
Q

What are the two main goals of RFLP?

A
  1. identify a genotype
  2. identify genetic markers
35
Q

Name examples of DNA cloning to produce large amounts of a specific gene

A
  • Cloned genes provide enough DNA for DNA sequencing. The sequence of a gene can help us understand how a gene works and identify mutations that cause diseases.
  • Cloned DNA can be used as a probe to identify the same gene or similar genes in other organisms.
36
Q

Name examples of DNA cloning to express cloned genes to produce encoded proteins

A
  • Large amounts of the protein can be purified to study its structure and function.
  • Cloned genes can be introduced into bacteria or livestock to make pharmaceutical products such as insulin.
  • Cloned genes can be introduced into plants and animals to alter their traits.
  • Cloned genes can be used to treat diseases—a clinical approach called gene therapy.

Bio II (21 decks)

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