Byrd's Genetics Study Guide Terms

What is DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid.

* DNA is a Nucleic Acid ( A polymer that is composed of Nucleotides )
* DNA Stores genetic information and acts as the code to build proteins
* DNA replicates itself when cells divide (Mitosis)
* DNA is shaped like a double helix- like a ladder that has been twisted around like a candy rapper.

What are the four Nucleotides?

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

How is one Helix and two Helix made?

These nucleotides connect to each other to form a helix. Two helixes join together to form ONE molecule of DNA.

What is ATGC?

DNA.

What is AUGC?

mRNA.

What is 1 double Helix?

1 DNA molecule.

What is 1 single Helix?

Many Nucleotides.

What is a non-coding strand?

Non-Template strand, starts with 3 ends with 5.

What is a coding strand?

template strand, starts with 5 ends with 3.

What is transcription?

The process of using DNA as a template to make mRNA.

What is translation?

The ribosome mRNA is translated into proteins.

What does Nucleus store?

It stores DNA.

What does the ribosome do?

It builds protein.

What are proteins made of?

Amino Acids.

What are Amino Acids?

Type of nucleotides.

What is a codon?

Three nucleotides in a row on 1 piece of mRNA.

What is tRNA?

A small molecule that is in the protein synthesis that serves as a link (or adaptor) between the messenger (mRNA).

What is The Central Dogma?

The process of DNA to Protein and Protein Sythesis.

What is a gene?

A segment of DNA that codes for one specific protein.

What is an Allele?

A type of gene determined by the specific sequence of  nucleotides, each individual has at least two alleles for any given gene.

What is a Dominant Allele?

“strong” allele, This allele is the allele that “wins”. If a dominant allele is present that can tell you what the phenotype of the individual will be. The Dominant allele is always written in a capital letter. 

What is the Recessive Allele?

“weak’ allele. There must be TWO of them to have the phenotype. A recessive allele is written as a lower case letter. 

What is a Punnett Square?

Possible outcomes for offspring.

What is the Genotype?

The written abbreviation for what alleles an individual HAS for a certain gene.

What is the Phenotype?

The written version of what allele is OBSERVED in an individual for a certain gene.

What are two of the same alleles?

Homozygous.

What are two different alleles?

Heterozygous.

What are Genetics?

The scientific study of genes and heredity, genetics is how certain qualities or traits are passed from parents to offspring as a result of passing on DNA.

What is a Dihybrid cross?

A 4x4 table between two organisms of same/different alleles.  

What is Meiosis?

The process of producing 4 genetically different germ-line cells, sometimes called gametes! It can only produce sperm or egg cells. Is not part of the cell cycle. Produces Haploid cells. 

What is in Meiosis 1?

* Prophase 1


* Metaphase 1
* Anaphase 1
* Telophase 1
* Cytokinesis

What is in Meiosis 2?

* Prophase 2


* Metaphase 2
* Anaphase 2
* Telophase 2
* Cytokinesis

What is Crossing Over?

 During prophase 1, after the DNA has been replicated during interphase, the homologous chromosomes line up next to each other and trade genes.

What are the Principles of biomedical ethics?

1. Respect for autonomy - Respect the wishes of the individual, informed consent
2. Nonmaleficence (I will do no harm)
3. Beneficence (I will do good)
4. Justice - patients receive equitable and fair treatment

What is Synthetic Biology?

A field of biotechnology that combines engineering principles with biology to design, construct, and modify biological systems for useful purposes. 

How many different genes can you compare in one punnett square?

You can compare 1 gene.

How many different genes can you compare in a dihybrid cross?

You can compare up to four different genes. Each gene can have two different alleles, so the total number of combinations that can be compared is 16.

Who are the four scientists who contributed to the structure of DNA we have today? 

James Watson, Francis Crick, Maurice Wilkins and most importantly Rosalind Franklin.

Where does transcription take place? 

Takes place in the DNA as a template in order to make mRNA.

Where does translation take place?

Takes place in the ribosome in which the mRNA is translated into proteins.

What are the key differences between mitosis and meiosis?

Mitosis makes two identical somatic (body) cells, whereas meiosis makes 4 unique germline cells. Some other differences are mitosis is the M part of the cell cycle, where meiosis is not even part of the cell cycle, mitosis produces Diploid cells while meiosis produces Haploid cells. Also meiosis has two meiosis parts, meiosis 1 and me meiosis 2, while mitosis has 6 steps. 

In what phase of meiosis does crossing over occur?

Occurs during prophase 1 which leads to genetic variation. During this, homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange sections of DNA.

How does crossing over increase genetic diversity?

The mixing of genetic material increases the variety of alleles (genetic variants) in the offspring.

How do you convert a coding strand to mRNA?

Transcription which starts with 5 and ends with 3, change the T to U and keep everything the same.

How do you convert a mRNA to a non coding strand?

Reverse transcription, start with 5 end with 3, just change the U to T

How do you convert a non-coding strand into a protein?

Have a protein chart, look up the letters.