DNA and The Genome Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is DNA?
The genetic material in the nucleus of a cell is composed of a chemical of DNA. It is contained in structures called chromosomes
What is the structure of DNA?
It is a polymer made up of 2 strands forming a double helix.
What is a gene?
A gene is a small section of DNA on a chromosome. Each gene codes for a particular sequence of amino acids, to make a specific protein. They control our characteristics as they code for proteins that play important rules in what our cells do
What is the genome of an organism?
The entire genetic material of that organism. The whole human genome is now studies and this will have great importance for medicine in the future
What does DNA stand for
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Why is the genome so important?
- search for genes linked to different types of disease
- understanding and treatment of inherited disorders
- use in tracing human migration patterns from the past
What are gamete
Sex cells in animals sperm and egg cell in plant pollen and egg cell
Chromosomes
Thread like structures of DNA, carrying genetic information in the form of genes. They are located in the nucleus of cells.
Allele
Different versions of a particular gene
A dominant allele
Always expressed even if only one copy is present.
Recessive allele
Only expressed if 2 copies are present
Homozygous
If the 2 alleles of a gene are the same, they are homozygous
Heterozygous
If the 2 alleles of a gene are different
Genotype
The combination of allele that control each characteristic
Phenotype
The observable characteristics of an organism - seen just by looking
Some characteristics are controlled by a single gene such as…
Fur color in mice, red - green colour blindness in humans. Each gene codes- may have different forms called alleles
Most characteristics are a result of…
Multiple genes interacting rather then a single gene
