Structure of Genome Flashcards
What is meant by the genome?
An organism’s hereditary information encoded within its DNA.
What is meant by a coding region of the genome?
A gene which codes for protein.
What is meant by a non-coding region of the genome?
It does not code for protein.
What are the three known functions of non-coding regions of the genome?
Protection, transcribed but not translated, regulatory sequences
Explain how a non-coding region can protect chromosomes?
Repeated sequences which prevent the ends of chromosomes from fraying.
What is meant by a regulatory sequence?
A sequence which regulates gene expression (switches genes on or off)
Give examples of molecules which are produced by transcription but are never translated?
tRNA, rRNA, small RNA fragments
What is meant by transcription?
A sequence of DNA is copied to make RNA molecule.
What is meant by translation?
A sequence of mRNA used to create protein.
What is the function of rRNA?
Combines with protein to form the ribosome.
What is the function of tRNA?
Carries a specific amino acid and has an anticodon which is complementary to a codon on mRNA.
What do we call the study of genomes?
Genomics
What is the name for an organism’s hereditary information which is encoded within its DNA?
Genome
Is all of the genome found in the nucleus of eukaryotes?
No, also in mitochondria or chloroplasts
