DNA Profiling and Genetic Diseases: Midterm 3 Review

Flashcards for vocabulary and key concepts related to DNA profiling and genetic diseases.

DNA Profiling

A set of lab techniques used to determine if two DNA samples are from the same individual.

Chromatin

The material of which the chromosomes of organisms other than bacteria are composed; consists of protein, RNA, and DNA.

Semi-Conservative Replication

The process during DNA replication where each new DNA molecule consists of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.

Nucleotide

The building blocks of DNA, consisting of a central sugar, a negatively charged phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

The process by which genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize proteins.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process of decoding the mRNA sequence to form a polypeptide chain (protein).

Mutation

A change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA, which may lead to changes in protein function.

Oncogenes

Mutated forms of proto-oncogenes that have the potential to cause cancer by promoting uncontrolled cell division.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that normally inhibit cell division and repair DNA mistakes; mutations can lead to cancer by allowing unregulated cell growth.

Homologous Chromosomes

Pair of chromosomes that are similar in shape, size, and genetic content, one inherited from each parent.

Asexual Reproduction

A form of reproduction where one parent produces genetically identical offspring without the involvement of gametes.

Sexual Reproduction

A form of reproduction that involves the fusion of male and female gametes, resulting in genetically diverse offspring.

Gel Electrophoresis

A technique for separating DNA fragments based on their size by applying an electric field to a gel.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A technique used to amplify specific DNA segments, making millions of copies of a specific DNA sequence.

Short Tandem Repeats (STRs)

Regions of DNA where a short nucleotide sequence is repeated, commonly used in DNA profiling.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid, a molecule that plays a crucial role in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, including plant and animal cells.

Prokaryotic Cells

Simple, single-celled organisms without a nucleus, including bacteria and archaea.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm during cell division, resulting in two daughter cells.

Nondisjunction

Failure of chromosomes to separate properly during cell division, leading to cells with abnormal chromosome numbers.

Cancer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell division and the spread of abnormal cells.

CRISPR

A technology that allows for the editing of genes and genomes with high precision.