The Cell Flashcards
Nucleus
where almost all genomic information is stored and compacted
2 layer membrane
Heterochromatin
inactive form, appears condensed
Euchromatin
active form, more spread out/relaxed
What is contained in the nucleus?
chromatin, nuclear proteins, RNA, nucleolus
What charge does DNA have?
negatively charged
nucelosome
basic structural unit of chromatin; made up of an octomer of histones
What charge are histones?
negative charge (very basic)
Modification of Histone Proteins
loosening allows for transcription/replication to occur, whereas tightening will shu that process off
How many base pairs are within a nucleosome?
146 bp
transcription
generation of RNA sequence by RNA polymerase
What three types of RNA are made by transcription?
- messenger RNA (mRNA); mainly this
- ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
- transfer RNA (tRNA)
Gene
sequence of DNA that is read to devvelop a particular mRNA encoding a protein
4 Ways Transciption is Regulated
- Transcription factors
- Enhancers
- Repressors
- Epigenetics
Goal of the cell cycle?
to ensure appropriate DNA replication and integrity via checkpoints
What are five proteins that regulate the cell cycle?
- Cyclins
- Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs)
- CDK inhibitors
- p53
- Rb
Stages of the Cell Cycle
- G1 (growth)
checkpoint - S (synthesis)
- G2 (growth and prep to divide)
checkpoint - M (mitosis)
Most frequently used DNA repair mechanism?
Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER)
Relationship between Fidelity and DNA Repair
High fidelity = better repair (for small things)
What kinds of things can damage DNA?
radiation, anti-tumor drugs, UV rays, free radicals, etc
Nucleolus
the site at which rRNA is transcribed and ribosomal sub-units are assembled
Relationship between nucleolus size and protein synthesis?
larger nucleolus = more protein synthesis
rRNA as a Diagnostic Tool
sequence the rRNA for fungal and bacterial identification
5 Important Locations in the Cell (inside –> outside)
- Nucleus
- Cytoplasm
- Structural Components
- Plasma Membrane
- Cell Signaling Pathways
Ribosomes
within the cytoplasm, either free floating or on rough ER; synthesize proteins from mRNA via translation