DNA and Genetics Flashcards
(63 cards)
DNA
Stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. A molecule that determines the characteristics of living things
Sexual reproduction
Sexual reproduction creates variation in a population. It is the role of the female and male reproductive system to ensure that:
- the male and female gametes meet
- fertilisation takes place
- the new individual has the best chance of survival
Process of sexual reproduction
The process involves two parents. Both parents contribute one gamete ensuring genetic information is obtained equally from each parent. The female gamete, egg, and the male gamete, sperm are each formed in specialised reproductive systems and when they meet, fertilisation occurs.
Franklin and Wilkins contribution to DNA
Early 1950s, Rosalind Franklin, British scientist and X Ray crystallographer and fellow worker Maurice Wilkins made X-ray images of DNA. The famous photograph, photo 51 showed an X pattern. The two scientists deduced that DNA contained rungs like a ladder and the X shape showed it was a helix. This was the closest they came to discovering the DNA structure. Watson and Crick used Franklin’s research and she was never acknowledged until 1968, by then she was dead and didn’t receive a NPP like the others
Watson and Crick contribution to DNA
1953, molecular biologists, Watson and Crick used Franklins research and findings to refine their 3D DNA model. They used parts of franklins image to piece together their attempt at finding the structure of DNA. They discovered DNA was a double helix figure and it is now called the Watson- Crick model. In 1965, they won a Nobel peace prize.
DNA structure
Made up of smaller sections called nucleotides, arranged in double helix shape
Nucleotides
The parts of DNA that make the ladder. 3 main sections:
- phosphate
- deoxyribose sugar and nitrogen rich bases
Phosphate and deoxyribose sugars
Make the upright part of the ladder. Alternate between phosphate and sugar. The bases always connect to the sugar
Bases
Nitrogen rich bases make the rungs of the ladder. Four bases all have different chemical structures. A T C G
Complementary base pairing
The bases have different chemical structures meaning they can only pair up in one way.
A with T
C with G
Only two types of rungs on the ladder, AT and CG rungs
AT bases
Adenine and thymine, pair up together to make rungs on the ladder
GC bases
guanine and cytosine pair up to make CG rungs
chromosomes
Humans are made up of cells which have a nucleus. In the nucleus are thin thread like structures called chromosomes. Chromosomes are made up of DNA and proteins. Each cell contains 46 chromosomes in 23 pairs except gametes (only have 23) and red blood cells (don’t have a nucleus)
Genes
Sections of DNA. Each chromosome can have over 1000 genes.
Difference between one gene and the next
Order of bases along the DNA strand
Length of the DNA strand
Order of bases along DNA and egs,
This is the genetic code. Each code contains instructions for a specific protein:
- Collagen (ligaments, tendons)
- Keratin (hair, skin)
- Amylase (saliva)
- Hormones
- Insulin
DNA replication
The process of copying DNA
The parent DNA starts to separate and unzip like a zipper. Nucleotides that are not part of DNA but in the nucleus join to exposed bases (exposed form unzipping). The sugar and phosphate bond with neighbouring nucleotides. A new identical strand of DNA is formed.
Chromatid
One half of the chromosome. Each chromosome is made up of two chromatids joined together. Each chromatid is a double helix of DNA
XY
Boy
XX
Girl
Mitosis
A process of asexual reproduction in which the cell divides in two, producing a replica with an equal number of chromosomes in each, resulting in a diploid cell. Occurs for cellular reproduction and general growth and repair. Creates everything other than sex cells.
Mitosis stages
Produced differently to only have half the chromosomes.
Replication of chromosomes to become double stranded. The chromosomes become visible and recombination occurs: swapping of parts of DNA. The chromosomes are pulled apart and two cells are made. This occurs again, new nuclei form around the four new cells which are all genetically different and have half the no. Of chromosomes. These are gametes.
Meiosis
Division of sex cells, produces gametes, has half the number of chromosomes and this is where variation of genetic information is created.
Meiosis stages
Chromosomes replicate to become double stranded. These chromosomes aren’t necessarily identical to each other: eg RR and rr. The nuclear membrane breaks down and homologous pairs of chromosomes line up on the equator of the cell. Fibres extend from the poles of the cell to each chromosome pair. When they contract, one chromosome from each pair moves to opposite ends of the cell. Two cells are formed and each chromosome is still two chromatid. New fibres from poles (at right angles to the last) attach to chromosomes lined up at the equator. When the fibres contract,chromatids are pulled towards the poles of the cells. There are now bundles of 23 chromosomes, membranes are formed and the cytoplasm divides resulting in 4 new cells, containing the haploid number of chromosome. These cells are not identical. Eg: R, r, R, r. They carry the information about the same characteristics but the specific information is different. These are the gametes.