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chapter 4, genes and cell function Flashcards

1
Q

What is Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)?

A

The molecule that stores genetic information

DNA is essential for inheritance and biological information transfer.

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2
Q

What are the components of a nucleotide?

A
  • Phosphate group
  • Deoxyribose (sugar in DNA)
  • Nitrogenous base (Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, Guanine)

Nucleotides are the basic building blocks of nucleic acids.

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3
Q

What is the Double Helix?

A

The spiral shape of DNA, discovered by Watson & Crick

This structure is critical for DNA replication and function.

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4
Q

What is the Base Pairing Rule?

A

Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T), and Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G)

This rule is fundamental for the complementary nature of DNA strands.

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5
Q

What is Chromatin?

A

Loosely coiled DNA and protein found in the nucleus

Chromatin is the form DNA takes when the cell is not dividing.

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6
Q

What is a Chromosome?

A

A tightly coiled structure of DNA seen during cell division

Chromosomes ensure DNA is accurately replicated and distributed.

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7
Q

What are Histones?

A

Proteins that help package DNA into chromatin

Histones play a crucial role in gene regulation.

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8
Q

What is a Genome?

A

The complete set of genetic material in an organism

The genome contains all the information necessary for the growth and functioning of an organism.

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9
Q

What is a Gene?

A

A segment of DNA that codes for a protein

Genes are fundamental units of heredity.

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10
Q

What is the Genetic Code?

A

The system that translates DNA sequences into proteins

The genetic code is universal among living organisms.

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11
Q

What is a Codon?

A

A three-nucleotide sequence in mRNA that codes for an amino acid

Codons are the basis for protein synthesis.

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12
Q

What is Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)?

A

A molecule that helps synthesize proteins

RNA plays a key role in translating genetic information into functional proteins.

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13
Q

What is Messenger RNA (mRNA)?

A

Copies genetic instructions from DNA and carries them to ribosomes

mRNA is crucial for the process of translation.

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14
Q

What is Transfer RNA (tRNA)?

A

Brings amino acids to the ribosome for protein assembly

tRNA ensures the correct amino acids are added to the growing polypeptide chain.

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15
Q

What is Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)?

A

A structural component of ribosomes

rRNA plays a vital role in the ribosome’s function during protein synthesis.

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16
Q

What is Transcription?

A

The process of copying DNA into mRNA

Transcription is the first step in gene expression.

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17
Q

What is Translation?

A

The process of converting mRNA into a protein

Translation occurs at the ribosome and is essential for protein synthesis.

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18
Q

What is RNA Polymerase?

A

The enzyme that creates mRNA from DNA

RNA Polymerase is crucial for the transcription process.

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19
Q

What is a Triplet Code?

A

A three-base sequence in DNA that corresponds to a codon

The triplet code is fundamental to the genetic code.

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20
Q

What is a Start Codon?

A

The first codon of an mRNA transcript (AUG, which codes for methionine)

The start codon signals the beginning of translation.

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21
Q

What is a Stop Codon?

A

A codon that signals the end of translation (UAA, UAG, UGA)

Stop codons do not code for an amino acid.

22
Q

What is a Polyribosome?

A

A cluster of ribosomes translating the same mRNA

Polyribosomes allow for efficient protein synthesis.

23
Q

What is DNA Replication?

A

The process of copying DNA before cell division

DNA replication is essential for genetic continuity.

24
Q

What is Semi-Conservative Replication?

A

Each new DNA molecule contains one old and one new strand

This mechanism ensures accuracy in DNA replication.

25
What is DNA Helicase?
Unwinds the DNA double helix ## Footnote DNA helicase is crucial for initiating DNA replication.
26
What is DNA Polymerase?
Enzyme that builds the new DNA strand ## Footnote DNA Polymerase ensures the fidelity of DNA replication.
27
What is the Leading Strand?
The continuously synthesized DNA strand ## Footnote The leading strand is synthesized in the same direction as the replication fork.
28
What is the Lagging Strand?
The DNA strand synthesized in short fragments (Okazaki fragments) ## Footnote The lagging strand is synthesized in the opposite direction of the replication fork.
29
What is a Mutation?
A change in the DNA sequence ## Footnote Mutations can lead to genetic diversity or diseases.
30
What is the Cell Cycle?
The life cycle of a cell, including growth and division ## Footnote The cell cycle consists of several phases: G1, S, G2, and M.
31
What occurs during the G1 Phase?
Cell grows and carries out normal functions ## Footnote G1 is the first phase of the cell cycle.
32
What occurs during the S Phase?
DNA replication occurs ## Footnote The S phase is crucial for ensuring each daughter cell receives an identical set of DNA.
33
What occurs during the G2 Phase?
Cell prepares for mitosis ## Footnote G2 involves the synthesis of proteins required for mitosis.
34
What occurs during the M Phase?
The cell divides (Mitosis) ## Footnote M phase includes both mitosis and cytokinesis.
35
What is Mitosis?
Division of the nucleus into two identical daughter cells ## Footnote Mitosis ensures genetic consistency across cells.
36
What happens during Prophase?
Chromosomes condense, spindle fibers form ## Footnote Prophase is the first stage of mitosis.
37
What happens during Metaphase?
Chromosomes align at the cell equator ## Footnote Metaphase ensures proper chromosome separation.
38
What happens during Anaphase?
Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles ## Footnote Anaphase is critical for equal distribution of genetic material.
39
What happens during Telophase?
Nuclear envelopes reform, chromosomes uncoil ## Footnote Telophase marks the near end of mitosis.
40
What is Cytokinesis?
Division of the cytoplasm, forming two separate cells ## Footnote Cytokinesis completes the cell division process.
41
What is Heredity?
The passing of traits from parents to offspring ## Footnote Heredity is the basis of genetic inheritance.
42
What is a Karyotype?
A display of an individual's chromosomes ## Footnote Karyotypes are used to identify chromosomal abnormalities.
43
What are Homologous Chromosomes?
Pairs of chromosomes, one from each parent ## Footnote Homologous chromosomes carry genes for the same traits.
44
What is an Allele?
A variant of a gene ## Footnote Alleles can be dominant or recessive.
45
What is a Dominant Allele?
An allele that is expressed when present (e.g., AA or Aa) ## Footnote Dominant alleles mask the effect of recessive alleles.
46
What is a Recessive Allele?
An allele that is only expressed when both copies are recessive (e.g., aa) ## Footnote Recessive alleles require homozygosity to be expressed.
47
What is a Genotype?
The genetic makeup of an individual (e.g., AA, Aa, or aa) ## Footnote The genotype determines the potential traits of an organism.
48
What is a Phenotype?
The physical expression of a genotype (e.g., brown eyes) ## Footnote Phenotypes can be influenced by environmental factors.
49
What does Homozygous mean?
Having two identical alleles (AA or aa) ## Footnote Homozygosity can affect trait expression.
50
What does Heterozygous mean?
Having two different alleles (Aa) ## Footnote Heterozygous individuals may express dominant traits.
51
What is a Punnett Square?
A diagram used to predict genetic inheritance ## Footnote Punnett squares are useful for visualizing allele combinations.
52
What are Sex-Linked Traits?
Traits controlled by genes on the X or Y chromosome ## Footnote Sex-linked traits often exhibit different inheritance patterns in males and females.

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