Topic 3: Genetics Flashcards
Asexual Reproduction
A mode of reproduction in which a new offspring is produced by a single parent. The new individuals produced are genetically and physically identical to each other, i.e., they are the clones of their parents.
Biotechnology
Using biological processes for industrial and other purposes, especially the genetic manipulation of microorganisms for the production of antibiotics, hormones, etc.
Bond
What connects amino acids in protein synthesis to form a polypeptide
Chromosome
Made up of DNA. They are covered with 1000s of genes.
Clone
Genetically identical to the parent organism. These are formed in mitosis.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA is found in the nucleus and stays there. It carries the instructions for making proteins (puts amino acids together in the correct sequence). Instructions are expressed in a code of 3 bases, representing one of 20 amino acids (so proteins need the correct order to work) Example (T-A-C codes for methionine).
4 base pairs of DNA
A, T, C, G
2 DNA strands pair side by side using which base pairs?
A pairs with T, C pairs with G
How does DNA replicate in both mitosis and meiosis?
DNA replicates before the cell divides by untwisting and unzipping, then copying each strand.
Egg
Female gamete (sex cell).
Expressed
Genes can be expressed (turned on) or not expressed (turned off) depending on a cell’s environment.
Genes
DNA’s sequence of bases that code for a protein.
Genetic Engineering
a process that uses laboratory-based technologies to alter the DNA makeup of an organism. This may involve changing a single base pair (A-T or C-G), deleting a region of DNA or adding a new segment of DNA.
Genetic Recombination
Aka genetic reshuffling, the exchange of genetic material between different organisms which leads to production of offspring with combinations of traits that differ from those found in either parent.
Heredity
the process of passing the traits and characteristics from parents to offsprings through genes.
Mutation
Error in the DNA sequence (inserting an extra base or deleting one) that causes a mistake in the order of amino acids in a protein (wrong shape = not work properly)
Causes of mutation
chemicals or radiation, UV light, X-rays (all cause errors in DNA)
How can mutations be passed on to a baby?
Mutations can only be passed on to the next generation if they occur in the gametes (sperm/egg/sex cells)
What does mutations cause?
Genetic variation- these can be good or bad changes
Replicate
DNA replicates before the cell divides in both mitosis and meiosis by untwisting and unzipping, then copying each strand
Selective Breeding
humans choosing organisms to mate in order to get the desired traits in offspring
Sexual reproduction
Two organisms donate 50% of their genes/ DNA to form a new individual. Meiotic cell division (meiosis) produces sex cells- makes a cell with only half the DNA/ Chromosomes/ Genes as the original cell.
Sperm
Male gamete/ sex cell. Transfers held of the genetic materials/DNA/Chromosomes
Subunit
One of the identical or non-identical protein molecules that make up a multimeric protein
Template
a single-stranded nucleic acid – a DNA or RNA polymer made of nucleotides – that is used to synthesize a new DNA, RNA or protein polymer.
Trait
a specific characteristic of an individual
mRNA
Messenger RNA. Since DNA stays in the nucleus, but the protein is assembled at the ribosome, DNA must copy its instructions (base sequence) onto mRNA that can leave the nucleus.
What takes the code from DNA out of the nucleus?
mRNA
tRNA
At the ribosome, tRNA with attached amino acid pairs up with the mRNA. Then amino acids bond and break free of tRNA. Amino acid is now in a chain called a protein/ polypeptide.
Example of gene expression
Hormones turn reproductive cells on or off: Cells can specialize/ differentiate because some genes are turned on or off.
Recombinant DNA
Made by cutting DNA using special restriction enzymes and inserting genes into another organism’s DNA. If an organism has the gene inserted into it, they can make the product.
Example of Recombinant DNA
Human insulin gene is pasted into a bacteria… bacteria can now make human insulin.
Gel electrophoresis
Fragments of DNA can be separated by size
Which fragments go through gel faster?
Smaller fragments go through gel faster than larger ones.
