All Flashcards
What is DNA?
Deoxyribonucleic Acid: The blueprint of life; a double helix made of nucleotides containing a sugar, phosphate, and nitrogenous base (A, T, G, C).
What is RNA?
Ribonucleic Acid: A single-stranded molecule similar to DNA, but uses Uracil (U) instead of Thymine (T). Types include mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA.
Define transcription.
The process of making an RNA copy of a DNA sequence, occurring in the nucleus.
Define translation.
The process of making a protein from an RNA sequence, occurring in the cytoplasm at the ribosomes.
What is a mutation?
A change in the DNA sequence that can alter gene expression and lead to new phenotypes. Can be harmful, beneficial, or neutral.
Define phenotype.
The observable characteristics of an organism, resulting from gene expression and environmental factors.
What are the main steps of DNA replication?
- Helicase unwinds the DNA. 2. Primase adds RNA primers. 3. DNA Polymerase extends the primers. 4. Ligase seals the gaps.
What are the main steps of transcription?
- RNA Polymerase binds to the promoter. 2. RNA Polymerase synthesizes a complementary RNA strand. 3. RNA Processing: introns are removed, exons are joined, 5' cap and poly(A) tail are added.
What are the main steps of translation?
- Ribosomes read mRNA codons. 2. tRNA brings the correct amino acid to the ribosome. 3. Amino acids are linked to form a polypeptide chain. 4. Protein Folding: The protein folds into its functional 3D shape.
Briefly describe the process of natural selection.
Organisms with traits better suited to their environment survive and reproduce, leading to changes in the genetic makeup of a population over time.
What are the steps of PCR?
- Denaturation: Heat to separate DNA strands. 2. Annealing: Cool to allow primers to bind. 3. Elongation: DNA polymerase extends primers to amplify DNA.
What are the key differences between DNA and RNA?
DNA: Double-stranded, uses Thymine (T), contains deoxyribose sugar. | RNA: Single-stranded, uses Uracil (U), contains ribose sugar.
What are the key differences between transcription and translation?
Transcription: DNA to RNA, occurs in the nucleus. | Translation: RNA to Protein, occurs in the cytoplasm at ribosomes.
Differentiate between genotype and phenotype.
Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism. | Phenotype: The observable traits of an organism.
Compare and contrast enhancers and silencers.
Enhancers: Increase transcription of a gene. | Silencers: Decrease transcription of a gene.
Compare and contrast mutation and recombination.
Mutation: New variations in DNA sequence. | Recombination: Shuffling of genes during sexual reproduction.