Paper 2: Topic 6 Inheritance, variation & evolution - Reproduction (includes DNA & genetics) (LV) Flashcards
Name the genetic material found in the nucleus
DNA
What does DNA stand for?
Deoxyribonucleic acid
How is the DNA arranged in the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell?
As chromosomes
How is the DNA arranged in a prokaryotic cell?
- Free in the cytoplasm as a nucleoid
- And additional pieces of DNA are also found in bacteria in small loops called plasmids
How do chromosomes normally exist in cells?
In pairs
Where do the chromosomes in the nucleus originate (come) from?
One from each pair comes from the maternal ovum and one from each pair comes from the paternal sperm
What type of molecule is DNA?
Polymer
DNA is a polymer. What are the monomers that are linked other to form DNA called?
Nucleotides
Describe the general shape of a DNA molecule
A double helix
Define the term gene
A small section of DNA that codes for the sequence of amino acids that makes a specific protein
How many amino acids exist naturally?
20
Define the term genome
The entire set of genetic material that exists in a single organism
Why has the study of the Human genome been useful for scientists?
Hint: give 4 reasons
- They have Identified genes linked to specific diseases
- Gained an understanding of how some diseases are inherited
- Used this understanding of inheritance to develop effective treatments
- Used the genome to determine historical migration patterns of certain groups of people
State the 3 main components of a nucleotide
- Phosphate group
- Sugar (called deoxyribose)
- Base
How many different types of base are found within DNA?
4
What are the 4 different types of base found in DNA nucleotides?
A, T, C and G
How do the bases pair up in DNA?
- A always pairs with T
- C always pairs up with G
How do the nucleotide bases code for the production of proteins?
- 3 bases codes for one amino acid
- So the sequence of bases codes for the sequence of amino acids that are linked together to make a protein
Some parts of the DNA do not code for specific proteins. What is the role/function of these parts of the chromosome?
- To control if the genes are expressed
- Which determines if the proteins are actually produced
Which organelle is responsible for producing proteins?
Ribosomes
How are proteins made? Hint: 5 steps
- The instructions in the gene are copied into a messenger molecule called mRNA
- The mRNA leaves the nucleus and travels to the cytoplasm
- Ribosomes attach to the mRNA
- Carrier molecules carry amino acids to the ribosome The ribosome joins the amino acids together in the sequence that is determined by the mRNA
After the amino acids are joined together in a long chain, what must happen before the protein can carry out it’s function?
- When the protein chain is complete it folds up to form a unique shape.
- This unique shape enables the proteins to do their function
Give 5 different functions of proteins
Hint: think STEAM H
Structural role e.g. collagen (found in blood vessel walls), keratin (found in hair and nails)
Transport role e.g. haemoglobin (carries oxygen around the body)
Enzymes e.g. proteases
Antibodies
Mechanical role e.g. myosin (found in muscle cells to allow muscle cells to contract)
Hormones e.g. insulin
Define the term mutation
- A change to the sequence of DNA bases
- This changes the genetic code








