Unit 3: Genes Flashcards
(121 cards)
Define a genome
Genome Definition: The whole of the genetic information of an organism
What are hierarchy of genetic info?
Hierarchy of genetic info:
- Genome
- Chromosomes
- Genes
- Allele
What are chromosomes?
Definition: Long stretches of DNA which store genes
What is the diploid state of chromosomes?
definition example, location
Diploid State Definition: Having a pair of each kind of chromosome. Most eukaryotes are diploid and inherit one copy of each chromosome maternally and the other paternally. Occurs in somatic cells
What is the haploid state of chromosomes?
Haploid State Definition: Having one copy of each chromosome.
Location: Gametes
How is Prokaryotic DNA?
- In prokaryotes there’s a single chromosome containing the entire genome, including all necessary genes
- Not organised around histone proteins
- Plasmids
What are plasmids?
Plasmids = small circular loops of DNA which are easily exchanged between prokaryotes and may contain several genes.
- plasmid may contain one or several genes, usually related to one function
- bacteria can easily exchange plasmids, sometimes even with a different species of prokaryotes. This provides a mechanism where antibiotic resistance spreads. antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a major problem in hospitals
- plasmids are generally not found in eukaryotes, but there are exceptions. For example, saccharomyces cerevisiae which is a unicellular yeast used in baking, containing a small plasmid.
How are eukaryotic chromosomes and how do they change through the cell cycle?
- linear
- each DNA molecule has two ends like a piece of thread, which are wrapped around histones (basic (alkaline) proteins)
- In interphase, chromosomes are in chromatin because DNA is in active use. This allows the transcription enzymes to access the genes easily.
- In the first stages of mitosis and meiosis, the chromosomes condense to form organised structures, forming an ‘X’ shaped structure. The two lines forming this are identical copies of the chromosome, known as sister chromatids. The place where they connect is called the centromere. The supercoiled state lets them be separate without getting tangled and torn
What are homologous pairs?
Homologous pairs = the two versions of the same chromosome (maternal and paternal)
What are homologous chromosomes?
homologous chromosomes = chromosomes that have the same set of genes in the same locations, but may have small differences between nucleotide sequences. Homologous chromosomes carry the same sequence of genes but not necessarily the same alleles of those genes.
How many chromosomes does the human genome have?
Human genome has 23 pairs of chromosomes, and 46 chromosomes total
What are autosomes?
Autosomes = chromosomes which do not influence sex determination. They’re numbered according to length. Chromosome 1 is the longest and chromosome 22 is the shortest.
What are haploid nuclei
Haploid nuclei contain only one chromosome from each pair and are found only in our gametes. They are produced from diploid cells through meiosis. They carry the same genes ate the same loci, with possibly different alleles.
What type of cell are most cells in the human body
Most cells in humans are diploid, meaning nucleus as two copies of each chromosome, 23 homologous pairs
What is a zygote?
Zygote = the diploid cell formed by the union of the sperm and egg.
What type of chromosomes are autosomal pairs?
all autosome pairs are homologous because the maternal and parental copy contain the same genes in the same positions.
What are some properties of sex chromosomes?
sex chromosomes have different genes and lengths, however they have a homologous region allowing them to act like a pair during meiosis.
What type of chromosomes do diploid nuclei have?
diploid nuclei have pairs of homologous chromosomes
What are haploid nuclei?
haploid nuclei have one chromosome of each pair of homologous chromosomes. Each chromosome in a homologous pair is called a homologue.
What is a tetrad?
A structure with two homologus chromosomes is a tetrad.
What is karyotyping?
Karyotyping: Aligning homologous chromosomes by length, location of the centromere and by bands of colour differences (striations) induced using dyes.
What is a karyogram?
Karyogram: Photograph or image of homologous pairs of chromosomes in decreasing length. Shows the chromosomes of an organism in homologous pairs of decreasing length. Can be used to deduce the sex of an individual, to find missing or extra chromosomes, or to detect mutations. Not able to detect differences in alleles or mutations that affect a single gene.
What is non-disjunction?
Non-disjunction = failure of a pair of homologous chromosomes to separate.
What is a trisomy?
Trisomy = condition where zygotes are formed when a gamete has an extra chromosome which creates individuals with three copies of one chromosome. - Trisomy is often fatal. However, if it occurs with chromosome 21, down syndrome occurs.
- Down syndrome causes hearing loss, heart and vision problems, intellectual disability, and slower growth which leads to smaller stature.