Other bio med midterm

What is a restriction enzyme?

A protein from bacteria that recognizes and digests specific DNA sequences, often called molecular scissors.

What is the base pair rule for DNA?

Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T), and Guanine (G) pairs with Cytosine (C).

What does RFLP stand for?

Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism.

How are RFLPs sorted during gel electrophoresis?

They are sorted by size, with smaller fragments traveling faster and farther through the gel.

What is the purpose of PCR in DNA analysis?

To amplify DNA by making billions of copies of a specific sequence.

What is the scientific term for the shape of DNA?

Double helix.

What are the three components of a DNA nucleotide?

A phosphate group, a deoxyribose sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

What is an autopsy?

The examination of a body after death to determine the cause, manner, and time of death.

What is the difference between cause of death and mechanism of death?

Cause is the specific injury or disease (e.g., gunshot wound), while mechanism is the physiological process that leads to death (e.g., blood loss).

Who performs an autopsy?

A medical examiner, who is a medical doctor called a pathologist.

What are the four major blood groups?

A, B, AB, and O.

What is agglutination in blood testing?

The clumping of blood cells that occurs when specific antibodies react with their corresponding antigens.

Which blood type has no antigens and both anti-A and anti-B antibodies?

Type O.

What is the primary function of red blood cells (erythrocytes)?

To transport oxygen throughout the body.

What molecule in red blood cells binds to oxygen?

Hemoglobin.

What mineral in the heme group does oxygen attach to?

Iron.

What is the function of white blood cells (leukocytes)?

They are part of the immune system and defend the body against infection.

What is the function of platelets (thrombocytes)?

They help the blood to clot.

What is the composition of human blood by percentage?

Approximately 55% plasma, 41% red blood cells, and 4% white blood cells and platelets.

Where is blood produced in the body?

In the bone marrow and the thymus gland.

What is the liquid part of the blood called?

Plasma.

What does a DNA profile (DNA fingerprint) show?

The unique pattern of DNA fragments resulting from gel electrophoresis.

What are the five manners of death?

Natural, accident, homicide, suicide, and undetermined.

What is the role of a coroner?

To record deaths and coordinate with the medical examiner for autopsies.

What is the significance of the 'DNA ladder' in gel electrophoresis?

It acts as a marker to estimate the number of base pairs in the DNA fragments.