Genetics Flashcards
(22 cards)
Heredity
Biological process where traits are inherited through generations
DNA
(Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid)
Genetic blueprint, instruction manual for how we develop, live, and reproduce
Genome
Pages of the DNA
Histones
Proteins that the DNA is coiled around
Chromosomes
Tightly packed structures that the DNA coils are pulled into
Karyotype
The arrangement of chromosomes - paired and arranged in descending height order
Proteins
DNA codes for proteins
Amino acid
Coded by codons - 20 different types
Nucleotide
Consists of a phosphate group, five-carbon pentose sugar (deoxyribose), and ONE nitrogenous base
Nitrogenous base
4 different bases that pair up with each other to make up the rungs of the twisted ladder - adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine
Base pair rule
A always goes with T and C always goes with G
Gene
Section of the genome that codes for a particular trait
Codon
Sequence of nucleotides broken up into groups of three
Ribosome
Works with amino acids to make protein
RNA
(Ribonucleic Acid) Same nucleotides but Thymine is replaced by URACIL
- 3 types of RNA
mRNA
Messenger: carries information from DNA to ribosomes
tRNA
Transfer: take amino acids to ribosomes
Ribosomal RNA
Helps form ribosomes and bonds between amino acids
Gene expression
Process by which the information encoded in a gene is used to direct the assembly of a protein molecule (transcription > translation)
Transcription & Translation
- During transcription, the DNA strand splits in the middle, and makes a copy of one of the strands called mRNA.
- The mRNA goes out of the nucleus and takes the information to the ribosomes.
- The tRNA takes the amino acids to the ribosome to read the mRNA and add amino acids to protein chain. This process is called translation.
Gametes
- Sex cells (sperm and egg)
- Haploid cell
- produced through meiosis
Zygotes
When sex cells come together in sexual reproduction, they combine to make one cell with full genetic information known as a zygote (baby).
