GEN2MHG

mRNA

To carry genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.

Introns and Exons

Introns are non-coding regions removed during splicing, while exons are coding regions included in the final mRNA.

Lac Operon

A bacterial gene system that is activated by lactose, enabling transcription of lactose-metabolizing enzymes.

Transcription Factors

They help initiate transcription by binding to promoters and recruiting RNA polymerase.

Alternative Splicing

A process where pre-mRNA can be spliced in multiple ways, resulting in different proteins from a single gene.

Histone Acetylation

It loosens DNA from histones, making it more accessible for transcription.

tRNA

tRNA carries amino acids to the ribosome, matching its anticodon with the mRNA codon to add amino acids to the growing protein chain.

X Inactivation

The process where one X chromosome in females is randomly silenced to balance gene expression.

Codons

Triplet nucleotides that code for amino acids, with 64 combinations available for 20 amino acids.

Polycistronic mRNA

mRNA in prokaryotes that encodes multiple proteins.

Histones

Proteins that package and order DNA into structural units called nucleosomes.

DNA Methylation

The addition of methyl groups to DNA, typically suppressing transcription.

Homologous Recombination

High-fidelity repair mechanism for double-strand breaks using a sister chromatid.

SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism)

A single nucleotide variant used in genetic mapping and association studies.

Southern Blot

A technique to detect specific DNA sequences in DNA samples.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A method to amplify DNA segments for analysis.

Promoter

DNA region where transcription begins.

Chromatin Remodeling

Modifying histones to change DNA accessibility.

What is the homunculus theory? 

The belief that sex cells contain a miniature adult.

Who proposed the theory of natural selection? 

Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace.

What are the components of a nucleotide? 

Sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

What base pairs are found in DNA? 

Adenine-Thymine (A-T) and Guanine-Cytosine (G-C).

Define semi-conservative replication. 

A process where each new DNA double helix consists of one old strand and one new strand.

What molecule was identified as the genetic material by Avery, MacLeod, and McCarty? 

DNA

Homunculus

Early notion of a fully-formed mini-adult in reproductive cells

Spontaneous Generation

The idea that life can arise from non-living matter

Natural Selection

Process where organisms with favorable traits survive and reproduce.

Allele

Variant form of a gene

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

Molecule carrying genetic instructions

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

Single-stranded nucleic acid, essential for protein synthesis

Nucleotide

Basic building block of DNA and RNA

Semi-Conservative Replication

DNA replication method where each strand serves as a template.

Transcription

Process of copying DNA to RNA

Chromatin

DNA-protein complex in eukaryotic cells

What is the function of mRNA? 

To carry genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis

What are introns and exons? 

Introns are non-coding regions removed during splicing, while exons are coding regions included in the final mRNA

Describe the lac operon

A bacterial gene system that is activated by lactose, enabling transcription of lactose-metabolizing enzymes.

What role do transcription factors play in eukaryotic transcription?

They help initiate transcription by binding to promoters and recruiting RNA polymerase

Define alternative splicing

A process where pre-mRNA can be spliced in multiple ways, resulting in different proteins from a single gene.

How does histone acetylation affect gene expression? 

It loosens DNA from histones, making it more accessible for transcription.

Explain the function of tRNA in translation

tRNA carries amino acids to the ribosome, matching its anticodon with the mRNA codon to add amino acids to the growing protein chain.

What is X inactivation? 

The process where one X chromosome in females is randomly silenced to balance gene expression with males