Exam 2 Flashcards
(32 cards)
What is a gene? (Figuratively)
- The functional unit of genetic information that specifies the structure of a protein.
What is a gene? (Literally)
- A segment of DNA coding a protein sequence
Replication
DNA is copied
Transcription
RNA molecule is synthesized from DNA template.
Translation
Genetic information in mRNA is converted into protein sequences
mRNA
messenger RNA
tRNA
transfer RNA
rRNA
ribosomal RNA
Translation
Genetic information in mRNA is converted into protein sequence
Genetic Code
3 bases = 1 amino acid
5’–> 3’
- Backbone- chain of alternating deoxyribose and phosphate
Supercoiling
- DNA twisted, torsion
- Helical Pitch
- DNA Gyrase
- Topoisomerase I
Helical Pitch
Number of base pair per turn
Positive Supercoiling
- coils on itself– righthanded supercoil
- less base pairs creates stress
* can eventually stop replication*
Negative Supercoiling
- Unwinding – lefthanded supercoil
- more base pairs
DNA Gyrase
Make negative supercoil (Topoisomerase II)
1. Chromosome Replication: easier to pull strands apart
2. Happens in transcription – aids
Topoisomerase II
Topoisomerases that cut both strands of DNA helix simultaneously to mange DNA tangles and supercoils.
Topoisomerase I
Relaxes negatively supercoiled DNA
Replication Fork
- Helicase pulls strands apart via ATP
- Single Strand Binding Protein
- RNA Primer
- DNA Polymerase III
Single Strand Binding Protein
Protein that prevents DNA from rejoining
RNA Primer
Primase that allows polymerase something to grip
DNA Polymerase III
Major elongation polymerase
Leading Strand
Replicates IN to the replication fork; continuous long DNA Fragments
Lagging Strand
Replications AWAY from the replication fork; discontinuous short DNA fragments; removes primers and DNA ligase “pastes” short” DNA fragments