Genomic Replication and Gene Expression

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to genome replication and gene expression.

Genome Replication

The process by which a cell duplicates its DNA prior to cell division.

Virulence

The degree of pathogenicity or disease-causing ability of a microorganism.

Transformation

Process by which a bacterium takes up free DNA from its environment and incorporates it into its own genome.

RNA polymerase

An enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, forming part of a protein.

Central Dogma

The flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.

Codon

A sequence of three nucleotides that corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis.

Operon

A cluster of genes under the control of a single promoter, allowing coordinated expression.

Repressor

A protein that inhibits gene expression by binding to the operator region of an operon.

Transposon

A DNA sequence that can change its position within the genome, potentially disrupting genes and altering the genome's function.

Splicing

The process of removing introns and joining exons in a pre-mRNA molecule to form mature mRNA.

Ames Test

A biological assay to assess the mutagenic potential of chemical compounds.

Chaperones

Proteins that assist in the proper folding of other proteins.

Hfr Cell

A cell with a high frequency of recombination due to the presence of an integrated F plasmid.

Competent Cells

Bacterial cells that are capable of taking up foreign DNA from their environment.

DNA Repair Mechanisms

Various cellular processes that correct damage to DNA molecules.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

The transfer of genetic material between organisms in a manner other than traditional reproduction.

Eukaryotic RNA polymerases

Different types of RNA polymerases in eukaryotic cells, responsible for synthesizing different types of RNA.

Semiconservative Replication

The mechanism of DNA replication in which each new double helix contains one original and one newly synthesized strand.