Genes, Genomics, and Chromosomes

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on genes, genomics, and chromosomes.

Eukaryotic Gene Structure

The arrangement of genes within eukaryotic organisms, including the presence of exons and introns.

Gene Duplication

The process by which a segment of DNA is copied, leading to the presence of two or more identical genes.

Transcriptional Units

Regions of DNA that are transcribed into RNA, which can be either simple or complex.

Histone Code

The hypothesis that specific combinations of histone modifications can regulate gene expression.

Epigenetics

The study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself.

Telomeres

The repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes that protect them from deterioration or fusion with neighboring chromosomes.

Nucleosome

The basic unit of DNA packaging in eukaryotes, consisting of a segment of DNA wound around a core of histone proteins.

Heterochromatin

A tightly packed form of DNA which is generally transcriptionally inactive.

Euchromatin

A less condensed form of chromatin that is actively involved in transcription.

Homologs

Genes that share a common ancestry, but may have diverged in function.

Orthologs

Genes in different species that evolved from a common ancestral gene and retain the same function.

Paralogs

Genes that have evolved by duplication within a genome and may acquire new functions.

Complex Transcription Unit

A transcription unit that can produce multiple mRNA variants through alternative splicing.

Gene Family

A group of related genes that share similar sequences and often similar functions.

Exons

The coding regions of a gene that are expressed and translated into proteins.

Introns

Non-coding regions of a gene that are removed during RNA processing.

Chromatin Remodeling

The dynamic modification of the chromatin structure to allow access to specific DNA sequences.

Post-Translational Modifications

Chemical modifications made to a protein after it has been synthesized, influencing its activity and localization.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome that links sister chromatids and is crucial for proper chromosome segregation during cell division.

Methylation

The addition of a methyl group to DNA, often associated with gene silencing.