8.1 - Genes and the Genetic Code Flashcards
(10 cards)
1
Q
What features does the genetic code contain (3):
A
- Universal- Each DNA triplet codes for the same amino acid in all organisms
- Non-overlapping- Each base in the DNA sequence is only read once
- Degenerate- Most amino acids are coded for by more than one triplet
2
Q
What is each amino acid coded by?
A
a sequence of three DNA bases (a triplet or codon)
3
Q
What is the proteome?
A
full range of proteins that a cell is capable of producing
4
Q
What is the genome?
A
complete set of genes within a cell
5
Q
Where is each gene located specifically along a chromosome?
A
a locus
6
Q
What are exons and introns?
A
- exons are sections of DNA that code for amino acids
- introns are sections of DNA that don’t code for amino acids
7
Q
What is a gene?
A
a short section of DNA that codes for a polypeptide
8
Q
How do eukaryotic cells store DNA?
A
- stores DNA in the nucleus
- contains long, linear DNA molecules
- associate DNA with histones
- contains introns
9
Q
How do prokaryotic cells store their DNA? (4)
A
- store DNA in the cytoplasm
- contain shorter, circular DNA molecules
- don’t associate DNA with histones
- DNA doesn’t contain introns
10
Q
What is DNA condensed as, what are DNA molecules wound around and coil into, and what does each chromosome contain?
A
- chromosomes
- wound around proteins known as histones (Histone-DNA complex)
* coil further to form chromatin - packs the DNA into chromosomes
* each chromosome contains a molecule of DNA
