MCB2010 Microbiology Pretest – Chapter 8

Flashcards covering key concepts from Chapter 8 of Microbial Genetics.

genome

All of the genetic material of a cell.

nucleosome

A linear chromosome wound around histone proteins.

genotype

The genetic constitution of an organism; inherited traits.

phenotype

The expression of genetic traits in an organism.

nucleotide

The subunit of DNA made up of a phosphate, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base.

purine

A type of nitrogenous base that includes adenine and guanine.

replication fork

The site where old DNA strands separate and new DNA strands will be synthesized.

DNA polymerase III

The enzyme that synthesizes new DNA only in the 5' to 3' direction.

Okazaki fragments

Short sequences of DNA synthesized on the lagging strand.

mutation

A permanent, inheritable change in the genetic information.

transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

inducible operons

Genes that are normally turned off but can be turned on by a substrate.

transposons

Genetic elements that can jump from one location to another in the genome.

transduction

The transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another by a virus.

repressible operons

Genes that are normally turned on but can be turned off by a product.

frameshift mutation

A mutation caused by insertions or deletions that shift the reading frame of the genetic sequence.

Ames test

A screening system to detect chemicals with carcinogenic potential.

recombinant organism

An organism that expresses proteins coded for by genes that originated in a different organism.