Yeast Genetics Notes

Question 1

Genes

Answer 1

Unit of genetic information encoded (nucleus acids) in DNA

A gene specified the composition of either a protein or an RNA molecule

Question 2

Genotype

Answer 2

Genetic makeup of an organism

Specific genes

Question 3

Phenotype

Answer 3

The physical expression of the genotype

Question 4

Mutants

Answer 4

Alternative forms of alleles or genes in an organism

Question 5

Genome

Answer 5

Total genetic makeup of an organism (3 billion nucleotides in the human genome)

Question 6

Building blocks of nucleic acids

Answer 6

Amino acids
Vitamins
-purines (As and T’s)
-primidines (C and G’s)
These can be manufactured by yeast from only carbon, nitrogen, and one vitamin

Question 7

Biosynthesis

Answer 7

Enzymes acting cooperatively in pathways to construct large macromolecules or biopolymers from small molecules or monomers

Takes thousands of enzymes

Question 8

Examples of biopolymers

Answer 8

Proteins
Nucleic acids
Lipids
Carbohydrates 
Structural components of cells

Question 9

Autotroph

Answer 9

A mutant strain of yeast that requires a new nutrient for growth

Question 10

Prototroph

Answer 10

A strain of yeast that doesn’t require a nutrient for growth

Question 11

Mutant yeast that requires adenine

Answer 11

Adenine- one of the bases that form DNA and also a component of ATP
Yeast- doesn’t make adenine by itself makes AMP

Question 12

Complementation Test

Answer 12

Test to determine whether 2 mutations are on the same gene or different genes