Untitled Flashcards Set

Nitrogen bases of DNA

Adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine.

Restriction enzymes

Commercially available enzymes used to cut DNA, with around 150 types available.

PCR

Polymerase chain reaction; a technique that has supplanted RFLP in DNA analysis.

Short tandem repeats

Repeating sequences of DNA that normally consist of 3-7 bases.

Y-STR

A type of DNA marker used to identify male lineage originating from the male Y chromosome.

Combined DNA Index System (CODIS)

National database for standardizing 13 STRs for forensic DNA analysis.

Sensitivity level in forensic analysis

Can reach as low as 125 pictograms with current protocols.

DNA replication

The process in which DNA is copied to produce two identical molecules, each containing one original strand.

Electrophoresis

A technique used to separate DNA fragments according to size.

Recombinant DNA

A DNA molecule produced by combining DNA from different sources.

DNA fingerprinting

A technique based on the uniqueness of an individual's DNA pattern.

The Human Genome Project

An initiative aimed at deciphering the genetic code of humans.

Codons

The sequence of nitrogenous bases in DNA that determines the order of amino acids in proteins.

DNA probe

A complementary sequence used in DNA fingerprinting to identify specific DNA sequences.

True/False: Genes instruct body cells to make proteins.

True.

True/False: A goes with G, T goes with C in DNA base pairing.

False; A pairs with T and C pairs with G.

True/False: Human Genome Project was expected to be completed by 2010.

False; it was completed in 2004.

True/False: DNA replication was first accomplished using PCR.

True.

True/False: DNA technology is useful in identification of tandem repeats.

False; it is useful for identification because no two humans have the same DNA, except for identical twins.

True/False: RFLP copies DNA strands.

False; RFLP is a technique for cutting DNA, not copying.

True/False: Mitochondrial DNA is inherited from the mother.

True.

True/False: Four regions of mitochondrial DNA are variable in the population.

False; two regions are variable.

True/False: DNA replication results in four copies of a gene.

False; it results in two copies.

True/False: Genes code for nitrogenous bases that affect eye color.

False; genes code for proteins that affect traits like eye color.

What is PCR and why is it useful?

Polymerase Chain Reaction, useful for creating copies of DNA sequences for analysis.

Describe DNA structure and components.

DNA looks like a twisted ladder, composed of sugar, phosphate, and nitrogen bases: A, T, C, G.

Ways to minimize contamination of biological evidence.

Wearing gloves, proper packaging, minimizing chain of contact, and collecting control samples.

What is mDNA?

Mitochondrial DNA, it has high copy numbers and is inherited maternally, but lacks individual specificity.

What is CODIS?

Combined DNA Index System; it stores DNA data of convicts for law enforcement.

What is recombinant DNA?

DNA created by combining DNA from different sources for new genetic combinations.

Steps in RFLP analysis.

DNA extraction, fragmentation, gel electrophoresis, and visualization of bands.