Nutrigenomics Flashcards

1
Q

Define the term gene.

A

A location on a chromosome that codes for a trait.

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2
Q

Define the term genotype.

A

A genetic constitution (genome).

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3
Q

Define the term chromosome.

A

A thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells which carries genetic information in the form of genes.

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4
Q

Define the term trait.

A

An inherited characteristic.

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5
Q

Define the term allele.

A

The actual code found at the location for a specific gene.

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6
Q

Define the term phenotype.

A

Inherited observable characteristics (hair, eye

colour) or biochemical characteristics based on the genome plus other influencing factors.

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7
Q

Define epigenetics.

A

The study of the modification of specific genes or gene-associated proteins of an organism.

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8
Q

Define nutrigenetics.

A

The science of the effect of genetic variation on dietary response.

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9
Q

Define nutrigenomics.

A

The study of what we eat and the lifestyle we lead and how they can alter gene function and expression of genes.

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10
Q

What is DNA?

A

Deoxyribonucleic acid - carrier of genetic information.

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11
Q

What is RNA?

A

Ribonucleic acid – copies, transports instructions for protein synthesis.

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12
Q

What are nucleic acids?

A

Chains of nucleotides made up of 3 units.

  1. Ribose sugar.
  2. Nitrogenous base.
  3. Phosphate group.
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13
Q

State the 5 bases.

A
  1. Adenine.
  2. Cytosine.
  3. Thymine.
  4. Guanine.
  5. Uracil - instead of Thymine in RNA.
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14
Q

Humans contain how many pairs of chromosomes?

A

23.

22 pairs of autosomal (non sex) chromosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes (XY).

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15
Q

Proteins have many different functions within

a cell, what 4 functions can they have?

A
  1. Structural.
  2. Transporter.
  3. Messenger
  4. Enzymatic.
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16
Q

What is a codon?

A

3 base pairs - a sequence which forms a unit of genetic code in a DNA or RNA molecule.

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17
Q

What is methionine and why is it especially relevant to translation?

A

An essential amino acid coded for by a codon (3 base pairs) which starts translation of all proteins.

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18
Q

How many codons are there and how many of these code for proteins?

A

64.
60.
3 code for stopping translation.

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19
Q

What is gene expression?

A

The controlled switching on and off of genes.

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20
Q

What is a Polymorphism?

A

The inheritance of genes in different forms - termed alleles.

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21
Q

What is a SNP?

A

Single Nucleotide Polymorphism. Occur in coding regions, non coding regions or between genes - vary in terms of severity and benefit due to location.

22
Q

State 3 reasons SNPs are useful to know.

A
  1. Identification and forensics.
  2. Mapping and genome-wide association studies of complex diseases.
  3. Estimating predisposition to disease.
  4. Predict specific genetic traits.
  5. Immigration and citizenship in the UK.
23
Q

What are SNPS on the genes HNPCC and FAP linked to?

A

Hereditary colorectal cancer.

24
Q

What are SNPS on the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 linked to?

A

Hereditary breast/ovarian cancer.

25
Q

What do phase 1 reactions do in relation to drug metabolism?

A

Unmasks or adds a hydrophilic group (hydroxyl, amine, sulphydryl).

26
Q

What is oxidation? And what phase of liver detoxification does it occur?

A

Loss of electrons by atom or molecule.

Phase 1.

27
Q

What is reduction? And what phase of liver detoxification does it occur?

A

Gain of electrons by atom or molecule.

Phase 1.

28
Q

What is hydrolysis? And what phase of liver detoxification does it occur?

A

Chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water.

Phase 1.

29
Q

When do phase 2 reactions take place?

A

If phase I is insufficient to clear substance or if it generates a reactive metabolite.

30
Q

State 3 examples of phase 2 reactions.

A
  1. Glucuronidation.
  2. Sulphonation.
  3. Glutathione conjugation.
  4. Acetylation.
  5. Methylation.
  6. Amino acid conjugation.
31
Q

When do phase 3 reactions take place and what are some examples of drugs that need phase 3 reactions?

A

When further detoxification is needed after phase 1 and 2. Some Xenobiotics and chemotherapy medicines are catalysed by transferase enzymes, to be recognised
by efflux transporters which pump the substance out of the cells.

32
Q

What are xenobiotics?

A

Foreign substances (typically synthetic) found in the body that are not derived from a normal diet or produced endogenously.

33
Q

What are toxins?

A

A poison produced by living organisms that is active at

low concentrations OR Any substance that causes structural damage or functional disturbances.

34
Q

What are toxicants?

A

Toxic chemicals, typically those that have been introduced into the environment by humans (e.g. pesticides, pollutants).

35
Q

Why is glutathione critical for detoxification?

A

Glutathione forms conjugates with endogenous and exogenous compounds and then the glutathione conjugates transport across cell membranes of kidney, liver, lung, intestine, and other organs.

36
Q

Many POPs are eliminated by phase I biotransformation, followed by phase II conjugation to _______.

A

Glutathione.

37
Q

What is methylation?

A

The process of donating a methyl group to a substrate.

38
Q

What is a methyl group?

A

1 carbon bound to 3 hydrogen.

39
Q

State 3 methyl group substrates.

A
  1. DNA and RNA.
  2. Chemicals.
  3. Neurotransmitters and hormones.
  4. Immune cells.
  5. Nerves.
40
Q

State 5 functions of methylation.

A
  1. Gene regulation (turn genes on and off).
  2. Biotransformation (process chemicals and toxins).
  3. Build neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, adrenalin).
  4. Process hormones (oestrogen).
  5. Build immune cells (T cells and NK cells).
  6. Produce energy (CoQ10, carnitine and ATP).
  7. Myelination (produce protective coating on nerves).
  8. DNA and RNA synthesis.
41
Q

Most biological methylation requires _____ as methyl donor.

A

SAMe.

42
Q

State 3 ways methylation can be disturbed.

A
  1. Lack of essential cofactors (zinc, magnesium, B6).
  2. Medications (antacids).
  3. Specific nutrients depleting methyl groups (niacin).
  4. Genetic mutations - MTHFR.
  5. Insufficient substrates (folate, methionine).
  6. Lack of sleep.
43
Q

State 3 toxins that alter methylation.

A
  1. Transport fumes.
  2. BPA.
  3. Mold.
  4. Heavy metals.
  5. POPs
44
Q

What is COMT?

A

Catechol-O-methyltransferase is an enzyme primarily responsible for breaking down/inactivating the neurotransmitters dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline (catecholamines).

45
Q

COMT adds _____ ______ to catechol oestrogens, thereby stabilising the oestrogen metabolites and reducing the likelihood of them causing DNA damage.

A

Methyl groups.

46
Q

What happens if an individual has a COMT polymorphism?

A

A moderately reduced clearance of catecholamines from neural synapses due to reduced activity of this enzyme, leading to their decreased breakdown and potentially creating high catecholamines levels.

47
Q

State 3 conditions COMT SNPS are linked to.

A
  1. Psoriasis.
  2. Pain.
  3. Dopamine levels and unhealthy food choices.
  4. Parkinson’s disease.
  5. Anxiety and mood disorders.
  6. Breast cancer (prolonged oestrogen exposure).
48
Q

What is MTHFR?

A

The enzyme responsible for metabolic processes in methylation and detoxification. Responsible for adding a methyl group to folic acid/folate (from food) ensuring the body can use this vital B vitamin.

49
Q

State 3 conditions MTHFR SNPS are linked to.

A
  1. Pregnancy complications - miscarriage.
  2. Cancer.
  3. Diabetes.
  4. Psychiatric disorders.
  5. CV disorders.
50
Q

State 5 cofactors to be included in a clients diet to support methylation.

A
  1. Magnesium.
  2. B2, B6, B12.
  3. Betaine.
  4. Zinc.
  5. Choline.
  6. Molybdenum.
  7. Manganese.
  8. Vitamin D.
  9. Vitamin C.
  10. Also ensure sufficient substrates - folate, methionine.
51
Q

State 5 cofactors to be included in a clients diet to support detoxification.

A
  1. Pre and/or Probiotics.
  2. Sulphur (seafood, eggs).
  3. NAC (yogurt, egg yolk, red pepper).
  4. Selenium.
  5. Cysteine.
  6. Adenosine.
  7. B vitamins.
  8. Magnesium.
  9. Zinc.
52
Q

State 5 cofactors to be included in a clients diet to support oestrogen metabolism.

A
  1. Cruciferous vegetables
  2. Zinc.
  3. Green Tea.
  4. Grapefruit.
  5. Sulphur (seafood, eggs).
  6. Pre and/or probiotics.
  7. Fibre.
  8. Magnesium.
  9. Ellagic acid (berries).