Lecture Exam 1 Flashcards
What is the central dogma of molecular biology?
DNA–>RNA–>Protein
How has our conception of the central dogma changed over the years?
We now know that there are reverse processes that happen along with the forward processes (Replication, Transcription, Translation)
Nucleotide
basic building block of the nucleic acids, DNA and RNA
Base
molecule that accepts a proton when dissolved in water
DNA Strand
complementary base paired, double strand of nucleic acids that holds all of our genetic information
Double Helix
the typical structure of a DNA molecule in which the two complimentary polynucleotide strands are wound around each other with base-pairing between the strands
Histone
one of a small group of abundunt, highly conserved proteins around which DNA wraps to form nucleosomes, structures that represent the most fundamental level of chromatin packing
Nucleosome
beadlike structural unit of a eukaryotic chromosome composed of a short length of DNA wrapped around an octameric core of histone proteins
Chromosome
long, thread-like structure composed of DNA and proteins that carry the genetic information for an organism becomes visible as a distinct entity when a plant or animal cell prepares to divide
Chromatin
complex of DNA and proteins that make up the chromosomes in an eukaryotic cell
How are nucleosomes moved in the DNA in order to make way for transcription?
Remodeling complexes move histones (nucleosomes) out of the way in order to make way for transcription
What are some examples of histone tail modifications and the enzymes that make the modification?
-Acetylation: adds an acetyl group using the enzyme HAT
-Methylation: adds a methyl group using the enzyme PRC2 to add it. HDAC removes it
-Phosphorylation: adding or removing phosphates using PP
How do modifications to histone tails affect DNA structure and access to the genome?
-Histone modifications regulate chromatin structure and the accessibility of certain regions of the genome
-Requires energy to move the histone and uncoil the DNA that is needing to be replicated
What is DNA topology?
The nature of the supercoiling of a double stranded DNA molecule
What is DNA supercoiling?
-winding up of DNA in a positive (overwound) or negative (underwound) direction
-facilitates compaction of chromosomes
-assists in replication and transcription by opening the double helix slightly
What are topoisomerases and what are the general mechanisms?
-Topoisomerases cleave DNA by cutting opposite strands in a staggered fashion (Catalytic Cycle)
-Mechanism: cuts opposite strands in a staggered fashion, lets DNA through, closes back up (ligation)
Type I vs. Type II Topoisomerases?
-Type I A: strand passage/ 5’ DNA cleavage
-Type I B and C: controlled rotation/ 3’ DNA cleavage
-Type 2 A and B: strand passage/ 5’ DNA cleavage
How does the DNA polymerase copy DNA (directionality, does it need a primer)?
-DNA polymerase reads the DNA in a 3’ to 5’ direction and lays down nucleotides in the 5’ to 3’ direction
-Primers are required for DNA polymerase to know where to begin replication
Replication Origin
nucleotide sequence at which DNA replication is initiated
Leading Strand
at the replication fork, the DNA strand that is made by the continuous synthesis in the 5’ to 3’ direction
Lagging Strand
at the replication fork, the DNA strand that is made discontinuously in short fragments (Okazaki fragments) that are later joined together to form one continuous strand