Unit 3 - Molecular Biology & Genetics Flashcards
The Cell Cycle
Life cycle of body (SOMATIC) cells. Does not include gametes.
Organization of Genetic Material
All genetic info contained in DNA. Each cell’s nucleus contains chromosomes, each chromosomes is made up of DNA.
–> DNA is wrapped around HISTONE proteins.
–> Histone forms a bead like structure called CHROMATIN.
–> Chromatin forms loops and scaffolds which forms a condensed CHROMOSOME.
Homologous Choromosome
Contain the same genes (sections of DNA containing genetic info) at the same locations.
–> Similar in physical appearance; size, band patterns, same position of centromeres.
Alleles
Homologous chromosomes could contain different forms of the same gene.
–> Ex. one hc carries blue eyes while the other carries brown eyes.
Ploidy
If a cell contains unpaired chromosomes, they are HAPLOID (n).
–> If a cell contains pairs of homologous chromosomes (like humans), they are DIPLOID (2n).
–> Some organisms are polyploid which contains sets of more than 2 chromosomes. (3n = Triploid, 4n = Tetraploid, etc.)
Karyotype
Complete set of an individual’s chromosomes.
–> Normal Human Somatic Karyotype: 22 pairs of autosomes + 2 sex chromosomes.
Phases of Cell Cycle
1) Interphase
2) Cell Division
Interphase Stages
1) G1 Phase (Gap/Growth)
2) S Phase (Synthesis)
3) G2 Phase (Growth)
G1 Phase (Gap/Growth)
Replication of cellular organelles (NOT INCLUDING DNA) - Mitochondria, ribosomes, etc.
–> Cell grows in size.
–> Accumulates structures for DNA replication (S Phase).
S Phase (Synthesis)
DNA REPLICATION (Doubled)
–> In humans, single-stranded (unduplicated) chromosomes in somatic cell to form 46 double-stranded (duplicated) chromosomes.
–> These double-stranded chromosomes are made up of SISTER CHROMATIDS.
G2 Phase (Growth)
Replenishes energy to prepare for cell division.
–> The cell manufactures proteins and structures required for cell division.
What is Mitosis?
Division of DNA inside nucleus.
Mitosis Stages
1) Prophase
2) Metaphase
3) Anaphase
4) Telophase
Prophase (Mitosis)
Chromatin condenses into chromosomes (double stranded, 2 sister chromatids held together by centromere).
–> Nuclear membrane and nucleolus breakdown.
–> Centrioles move to opposite ends of cell, spindle fibres form.
Metaphase (Mitosis)
Spindle fibers attach to centromere of each chromosome to equator of cell.
–> Each sister chromatid faces one end of the cell.
Anaphase (Mitosis)
Spindle fibers shorten, centromere splits, sister chromatids pulled apart to opposite ends of cell.
Telophase (Mitosis)
Begins when chromatids reach opposite poles of cell.
–> Chromosomes unwind into chromatin.
–> Nuclear membrane and nucleus reforms.
–> Spindle fibers breakdown.
Cytokenesis
Division of cytoplasm and organelles into 2 separate cells.
–> Forms 2 new DAUGHTER CELLS with the same genetic information as PARENT CELL.
ANIMALS: Indentation forms in cell membrane, cell is pinched in the middle form 2 daughter cells.
PLANTS: Cell plate forms in the middle of the cell, reinforced by cellulose for a new cell wall separating daughter cell.
Cancer
Uncontrolled cell division; Failure of regulatory mechanisms of cell division.
What is Meiosis?
Formation of gametes (egg and/or sperm).
Reduction Division
Daughter cells contain half of the number of chromosomes of parent cell (2n=46 –> n=23).
Recombination
Daughter cells are NOT genetically identical to parent cell, offspring organisms are genetically identical to either parent organism.
Phases of Meiosis
1) Interphase
2) Meiosis I
3) Meiosis II
Interphase (Meiosis)
Germ cells (cells which produces gametes) goes through growth and synthesis. Basically not much different from the interphase in mitosis.
Meiosis I
Homologous chromosomes pair up and separate from each other.
Meiosis II
Sister chromatids separate from each other (similar to mitosis).
–> No interphase (no DNA replication between I and II).
–> End with four daughter cells, haploid, single stranded.
n(ds) –> n (ss)
Prophase I *
Nuclear membrane disappears, spindle fibers form, etc.
–> In the nucleus, homologous pairs come together and CROSSOVER, exchanging genetic info.
–> This process is called SYNAPSIS.
–> Crossover occurs between non-sister chromatids.
–> Increases genetic variation.
–>Crossover is random, may not happen in all chromosomes.
Metaphase I
Spindle fibers guide homologous pairs to line up at equator.
Anaphase I
Spindle fibers shorten, homologous chromosomes separate.
Telophase I
Nuclear membrane forms, spindle fibers disappears, etc. Results in two haploid cells 2n(ds) –> n (ds).
Crossover*
During Prophase
Independent Assortment *
During METAPHASE I
Nondisjunction
Homologous chromosomes or chromatids don’t separate properly , happens during anaphase (I or II).
Anaphase I: both homologous chromosomes go to one end (4 gametes affected).
Anaphase II: both sister chromatids go to one end (2 gametes affected).
Can result in TRISOMY (3 homologous chromosomes) or MONOSOMY ( 1 homologous).
Spermatogenesis Stages *
The creation of sperm from a diploid germ cell called a SPERMATOGONIUM.
Spermatogonium then undergoes MITOSIS to produce PRIMARY SPERMATOCYTE during puberty.
Primary undergoes MEIOSIS I to produce SECONDARY SPERMATOCYTE which goes under MEIOSIS II to become 4 SPERMATIDS (sperm) in testicles.
Oogenesis Stages *
Starts with diploid germ cell: OOGONIUM.
Oogonium undergoes mitosis to become PRIMARY OOCYTE (diploid).
During puberty, primary undergoes meiosis I to become SECONDARY OOCYTE (haploid). Due to unequal cytoplasmic distribution, 1st polar body is released which may or ma not go through division.
Meiosis II only occurs if egg is fertilized. When it does happen, secondary becomes OVUM. Second polar body is released.
Oogenesis *
Egg at ovulation is considered secondary oocyte.
–> Oogenesis produces 1 ovum, not 4.
Twins
IDENTICAL: Same egg, same sperm. During cleavage, zygote splits into two.
FRATERNAL: 2 separate eggs and sperm. 2 eggs gets released during ovulation and both are fertilized by different sperms.
Sexual Reproduction
Uses gametes from different parents, which higher genetic variation.