Biology Trials Flashcards
(136 cards)
Transcription
The process of turning genetic information stored in the DNA into an intermediary molecule (mRNA)
- DNA polymerase binds to the ‘promotor’ which signals the DNA to unwind and allows enzymes to read the bases
- The mRNA molecule is built using the complementary bases
- The mRNA molecule detaches from the DNA strand
Translation
The process where genetic information encoded as mRNA turns into a polypeptide chain
Transcription carries the genetic code in the form of mRNA from the nucleus to the ribosome
- mRNA attaches to a ribosome
- the ribosome attaches the codons and anticodons together
- polypeptide chain forms and grows as amino acids are added
- once a stop codon is reached, the chain detaches
DNA replication
DNA replication is the process by which an existing DNA molecule is copied to produce 2 identical DNA molecules. The enzymes topoisomerase relaxes the DNA from its coiled structure. The enzyme helicase unwinds & unzips the DNA molecule at a particular point (an origin of replication) making two template strands of DNA available. The hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases break. The enzyme primase synthesizes short RNA primers to start each new DNA strand or fragment. One of the strands is in the 3' to 5' direction, which is called the leading strand; the other is in the 5' to 3' direction and is called the lagging strand. The enzyme DNA polymerase catalyses' the synthesis of the new DNA strands. DNA Polymerase helps the DNA nucleotides (which are readily available in the cell) match up with their complementary base on the template DNA (A&T, C&G). DNA polymerase continues to bond free nucleotides to the exposed bases according to the complementary base pairing rule until there are no more exposed bases. DNA ligase (enzyme) seals the two strands of DNA into double strands. The final result of DNA replication is two identical DNA molecules, made up of one old and one new strand which automatically coil back into a double helix.
Mitosis model of cell replication
- The nuclear membrane breaks down and nucleolus disappear
- Chromatin condenses into chromosomes that have duplicated into two chromatids held together by a centromere
- Centrosome separate forming spindle
- Chromosomes move to the middle (equator)
- Chromatids pulled by spindle go to opposite poles, becoming chromosomes
- Nuclear membrane reforms
- Cytokinesis
- Two cells identical with the parent
Why is mitosis essential
for growth, repair and asexual reproduction
Meiosis model of cell replication
- The nuclear membrane breaks down and nucleolus disappear
- Chromatin condenses into chromosomes that have duplicated into two chromatids held together by a centromere
- Centrosome separate forming spindle
- Chromosomes move to the middle (equator)
- Homologous pairs come together and crossing over occurs
- Homologous pairs of chromosomes pulled apart by spindle go to opposite poles and cells become haploid
- Nuclear membrane reforms
- Cytokinesis
- Nuclear membrane breaks down
- Chromatin condenses into two chromatids held together by centromeres
- Centrosome separate forming spindle
- Chromosomes move to the middle (equator)
- Chromatids pulled by spindle go to opposite poles, becoming chromosomes
- Nuclear membrane reforms
- Cytokinesis
- Four haploid cells that are genetically unique
Why is meiosis essential
sexual reproduction, gamete production and genetic diversity
Progesterone role in pregnancy
A hormone that is important in pregnancy is progesterone. Progesterone is initially produced by the corpus luteum in the ovary and causes the endometrium to thicken, which helps to support and maintain the pregnancy in the first weeks when the placenta is still developing. The developed placenta then produces progesterone at significantly higher levels to maintain the pregnancy. Prior to birth progesterone levels drop significantly to facilitate labour.
Oestrogen role in pregnancy
Oestrogen support changes during pregnancy, such as the preparation of breasts for lactation and the uterus for contraction of childbirth
Oxytocin role in pregnancy
Oxytocin is the main hormone of birth and causes contractions of the uterus
Relaxin role in pregnancy
Relaxin is a hormone that plays a role in pregnancy and birth by relaxing the pelvis and joints to allow passage of the foetus
How is birth initiated
Birth is initiated because of stress to the foetus, the release of the corticotrophin-releasing hormone and the dominance of estrogen and progesterone
Nucleotide composition, hydrogen bonding and pairing
- DNA is a polymer made up of nucleotide monomers
A nucleotide contains a deoxyribose sugar joined to a phosphate group and a nitrogenous base - The sugar-phosphate chain forms an external backbone for the DNA strand and the nitrogenous bases radiate towards the centre of the helical molecule, joined to the sugar in the backbone
- Two purine bases: Guanine (G) and adenine (A) and two pyrimidine bases - thymine (T) and cytosine (C) - are the nitrogenous bases.
- Hydrogen bonding results in the nitrogenous bases paring A-T and C-G
Aboriginal bush medicine
- A term used to describe the skills and practices used to maintain health, based on indigenous beliefs and practices.
- Use of native flora and fauna, traditionally prepared
- Preventative and diagnostic techniques, including treatments of mental illnesses
- Holistic view of health, emphasising the connections between physical, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of wellbeing
EXAMPLES - Tea tree oil
- Crushed leaves applied as a paste to wounds
- Strong antiseptic
- Used in western medicine to treat fungal infections and acne
EXAMPLES - Eucalyptus oil
- Infusions treat muscle aches, fevers and chills
- Used in western mouthwash and cough lollies
Aboriginal smoke bush
Conospermum, colloquially known as smokebush
- Endemic to south-west Western Australia
- Traditionally used and nurtured by Indigenous peoples of the region for it’s medicinal properties
- 1960s - US National Cancer Institute looking for cancer-fighting molecules, Western Australian Government grants them a licence to collect plant samples and screen them
- 1980s – AIDS epidemic, Smokebush screenedFound to contain conocurovone, a molecule able to combat the HIV virus in low concentrations
- US Department of Health and Human Services filed a patent for exclusive rights
- AMRAD gained exclusive licence to develop the patent
- WA government were paid $1.65 million to gain these rights
- Of the $100 million made annually from commercial use of the molecule, none was given to the indigenous population and no credit either
- No consultation of Indigenous community - No royalities or compensation, No acknowledgement
Vaccination antibodies concentration
After initial vaccination, a time delay occurs before antibodies are produced. The antibody level rise to peak then decreases to below the concentration required for immunity. A booster vaccination quickly increases antibody level and the remaining antibody level after a decline is sufficient to provide immunity.
A booster vaccine ensures the level of antibodies in the blood is high enough to provide immunity.
The memory B and T cells formed after an initial vaccination quickly recognise an antigen on re-exposure to it in a booster vaccine and so rapidly reproduce a large number of antibodies.
How can variation occur?
- Random segregation
- Crossing over
in the early stages of meiosis random segregation of each member of the homologous pairs of chromosomes results in haploid cells and produces highly varied gametes
Crossing over restructures some chromatids and may produce new combinations of alleles along a chromosome
Both processes result in new combinations of alleles in gametes
How mutagens work:
High-energy electromagnetic radiation
High-energy electromagnetic radiation includes gamma rays, X-rays and some ultraviolet rays
How mutagens work:
Electromagnetic radiation
Electromagnetic radiation passes through tissue to break DNA strands and chromosomes or alter nucleotide bases by changing atoms
How mutagens work:
Chemical mutagens
Chemical mutagens substitute bases and modify the backbone of DNA and often prevent them from replicating. some chemical mutagens break chromosomes
How mutagens work:
Naturally occurring mutagens
Naturally occurring mutagens include viruses, chemicals in plants (alkaloids) and moulds (aflatoxin) and change DNA structure
How mutagens work:
Reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) interact with other mutagens to break DNA
Types of mutations:
Point mutations
Point mutations involve a change in one nucleotide base. They include:
- Substitution of a nucleotide may result in a different amino acid in a polypeptide chain
- Insertion or deletion of a nucleotide base results in a frameshift that has major harmful impacts on polypeptide synthesis
Types of mutations:
Chromosomal mutations
Chromosomal mutations result in whole sections of chromosomes being deleted, inserted, inverted or translocated to other chromosomes. These rearrangements are usually very harmful to organisms