Biology Vocabulary - Transcription, Regulation, DNA Analysis

These flashcards contain key vocabulary terms and their definitions based on concepts related to transcription, regulation, and DNA analysis in biology.

Methylation

Adding methyl groups to cytosine bases.

DNA Methylation

Usually inhibits transcription.

Acetylation of Histones

Causes DNA to unwind and become accessible.

microRNA

Primarily functions to silence mRNA translation.

Dicer

An enzyme that cleaves microRNA.

RISC complex

Involved in RNA silencing.

Alternative Splicing

Allows multiple RNAs from one gene.

Exons

Coding sequences that remain after splicing.

Introns

Non-coding regions removed during splicing.

Ubiquitin

Marks proteins for degradation.

Proteasome

Cellular structure where protein degradation occurs.

ATP

Energy currency required for various biological processes.

Reverse Transcriptase

Enzyme that makes DNA from RNA.

Southern Blot

Technique used to study DNA.

DNA Charge

DNA runs through a gel toward the positive electrode because it is negatively charged.

Nucleotide

The monomer of DNA.

DNA Backbone

Made up of sugars and phosphates.

Lac Operon

In the presence of lactose, the repressor is removed.

TATA Box

Part of a promoter region.

Western Blot

Type of blot used to study proteins.

In prokaryotes, a group of related genes under the control of a single promoter is called a:

Operon

The lac operon is an example of a system that is normally:

Off

What gene codes for beta-galactosidase in the lac operon?

lacZ

What does beta-galactosidase break down?

Lactose

When ATP levels are low, levels of which molecule rise to induce the lac operon?

Cyclic AMP (cAMP)

An allosteric change happens when:

A molecule binds and changes a protein’s shape

In the trp operon, high tryptophan levels cause:

Repression of genes

The negative charge on DNA is due to:

Phosphate groups

DNA wraps around which proteins to form chromatin?

Histones

Tight coiling of DNA:

Prevents transcription

Adding methyl groups to cytosine bases is called:

Methylation

DNA methylation usually:

Inhibits transcription

Acetylation of histones causes DNA to:

Uncoil and promote transcription

microRNA primarily functions to:

Regulate gene expression by inhibiting (silencing) translation of specific mRNAs.

Dicer is an enzyme that:

Cleaves long double-stranded RNA into shorter, active microRNA

The RISC complex is involved in:

RNA silencing

Alternative splicing allows:

A single gene to produce multiple RNAs

After proteins are made, they can be marked for degradation by:

Ubiquitin tagging

Degradation of proteins in the cell happens in:

Proteasome

Which process requires ATP?

Transcription, as it provides energy for RNA synthesis.

Which enzyme makes DNA from RNA, like in making cDNA libraries?

Reverse transcriptase

DNA runs through a gel toward the positive electrode because it is:

Negatively charged due to its phosphate backbone

What is the monomer of DNA?

Nucleotide

The backbone of DNA is made up of:

Sugar and phosphate groups

In the lac operon, if lactose is present:

The repressor is inactivated (removed)