DNA Transcription and Gene Regulation

These flashcards cover key concepts from DNA transcription, gene regulation, and molecular biology techniques discussed in the lecture.

What is the process of changing DNA to RNA called?

Transcription.

In the process of transcription, A pairs with which base?

U (Uracil).

What type of bonds are formed between amino acids?

Peptide bonds.

What is a fancy term for a protein?

Polypeptide.

In what direction does RNA synthesis occur?

From 5' to 3'.

Operons occur in what type of organisms?

Prokaryotes, specifically bacteria.

What are the two types of operons?

Inducible and repressible operons.

What is an inducer?

A molecule that activates the operon by turning the repressor off.

What is a co-repressor?

A molecule that binds to a repressor and activates it, turning the operon off.

What happens to transcription when DNA is tightly wound?

Transcription cannot take place.

What is the effect of methylation on DNA?

It tightens DNA, slowing down transcription.

What is alternative splicing?

A process that allows a single gene to code for multiple proteins by including or excluding certain exons.

What are introns?

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

What is the role of Hox genes?

They control the body plan development in organisms.

What are restriction enzymes used for in biotechnology?

To cut DNA at specific sequences, allowing for gene insertion.

What does gel electrophoresis separate based on?

The size of DNA fragments.

In gel electrophoresis, where do larger DNA fragments migrate?

They stay closer to the starting point.

How does negatively charged DNA behave in an electrophoresis setup?

It moves toward the positive electrode.

What is the Human Genome Project?

A research initiative aimed at mapping and understanding all the genes of the human species.

What does PCR stand for and what is its function?

Polymerase Chain Reaction; it is used to make multiple copies of a specific DNA segment.