Study Guide – CB Lecture 10 DNA Structure & Organization

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to DNA structure and organization, as outlined in the lecture notes.

Nuclear Envelope

The double membrane surrounding the nucleus that separates its contents from the cytoplasm.

Heterochromatin

A form of chromatin that is condensed and transcriptionally inactive.

Euchromatin

A more open form of chromatin that is transcriptionally active.

Nucleotide Components

Consists of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.

Covalent Backbone

The stable structure of DNA formed by sugar and phosphate groups linked with covalent bonds.

Hydrogen-Bonded Base Pairing

The pairing of nitrogenous bases in DNA that occurs via hydrogen bonds.

Antiparallel Orientation

The orientation in which the two strands of DNA run in opposite directions.

DNA Double Helix

The three-dimensional structure of DNA consisting of two strands twisted around each other.

Nucleosomes

DNA wrapped around histone proteins, forming the basic unit of chromatin.

Chromatin Remodeling

The process by which the structure of chromatin is altered to regulate gene expression.

DNA Methylation

The addition of methyl groups to DNA, often affecting gene expression.

Histone Modifications

Chemical changes to histone proteins that can impact chromatin structure and gene activity.

Histone Code Hypothesis

The theory that specific patterns of histone modifications can regulate gene expression.

X-Chromosome Inactivation

The process by which one of the X chromosomes in females is silenced to balance gene dosage.

Genome Organization in Yeast

Genes are densely packed, facilitating gene expression.

Noncoding DNA in Higher Eukaryotes

Large segments of DNA that do not code for proteins but may have regulatory functions.

Chromatin Modifying Enzymes

Enzymes that alter chromatin structure and may serve as targets for therapeutic intervention.

Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP)

A method used to study interactions between proteins and DNA in the cell.

Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH)

A technique used to detect and locate specific DNA sequences in chromosomes.

DNA Methylation Assays

Techniques such as bisulfite sequencing used to analyze DNA methylation patterns.