1.5 The Structure of the Genome Flashcards
(6 cards)
1
Q
What is the ‘genome’ of an organism?
A
Its entire hereditary information encoded in DNA.
2
Q
What are the two parts of a genome?
A
- Coding sequences
- Non-coding sequences
3
Q
What does coding sequences mean in the context of the genome?
A
DNA sequences that code for proteins, e.g. your genes.
4
Q
What does non-coding sequences mean in the context of the genome?
A
DNA sequences that do not code for proteins.
In eukaryotic cells most of the genome consists of these non-coding sequences.
5
Q
What is the purpose of non-coding sequences in the genome?
A
- Sequences that regulate transcription (and hence gene expression)
- Sequences that are transcribed to RNA but never translated = tRNA and rRNA
6
Q
Are introns and exons the same as non-coding and coding sequences?
A
No. Introns are non-coding sequences within a gene and non-coding sequences are outwith a gene
