Topic 3 - Genetics Flashcards
What is DNA?
The genetic material in the nucleus of most Eukaryotic cells is made from a chemical called DNA.
• DNA is a polymer
• Two strands
• Coiled into twisted ladder
Polymer
A large molecule made from many smaller molecules called monomers.
Chromosomes
A coiled up molecule of DNA. In diploid cells, chromates come in pairs (23).
Genome
The entire DNA of an organism.
XX = female
XY = Male
What is nucleotide and what’s it made up of?
A monomer
• Each nucleotide consists of one sugar molecule, one phosphate molecule and one ‘base’.
• The sugar and phosphate molecules in the nucleotide from a ‘backbone’ to the DNA strands.
• One of 4 different bases joins to each sugar.
Structure of DNA
• Double helix
• Sugar phosphate backbone
• Complimentary base pairing
What is the complimentary base pairing?
A - T
C - G
Held together by weak hydrogen bonds.
Each base links to a base on the opposite strand in the helix.
What is a gene?
• A gene is a section of DNA on a chromosome that codes for a particular sequence of amino acids which form proteins. The sequence of bases in the gene determines what protein is produced.
• Genes control our characterises as they code for proteins that play important roles in what our cells do.
How to extract DNA from fruit cells?
1) Mash kiwi and place in a beaker containing 100cm3 of washing up liquid, salt and water. The detergent will break down the cell membrane and the salt will make the DNA less soluble.
2) Place beaker into a water bath at 60° for 15 minutes - causes the enzymes to denature, then filter the mixture and collect the filtrate in a small beaker.
3) Measure 10cm3 of filtrate into a boiling tube.
4) Add 1 spatula worth of enzyme solution and swirl gently, leave to stand for one minute.
5) Tilt the boiling tube and gently add some ice-cold ethanol to the mixture.
6) The DNA forms a precipitate because its insoluble in cold alcohol.
7) Collect the stringy white substance formed with a glass rod.
Why is salt, water and washing up liquid used?
It breaks down the cell surface membrane and the membrane around the nucleus.
Salt makes the DNA clump together.
Why is enzyme solution used?
Protease/enzymes breaks down proteins in the cell membrane and destroys the enzymes that may break down the dna.
Why is ice cold ethanol used?
To precipitate the dna because dna is insoluble in ethanol.
Why is a pestle and mortar used?
To help break down the flesh/tissue and cell walls.
Why is a hot water bath used?
Denatures the enzymes.
Control variables in practical
• Same volume of solution
• Same mass of kiwi
• Sam fruit age/type
Alleles
Different forms of the same gene. This means that genes for the same characteristic can contain slightly different instructions that creates variations.
• Eye colour
• Skin colour
• Dimples or not
• Ear lobes attached or not
• Tongue roll or not
Heterozygous
Bb
1 dominant
1 recessive
Homozygous dominant
BB
Homozygous recessive
bb