Molecular Biology, Evolution, Diversity of Life (BIO 1408)

These flashcards cover key concepts in molecular biology, evolution, and the diversity of life as discussed in lecture.

What are the components of a nucleotide?

The components include a phosphate group and a nitrogenous base.

How does DNA differ from RNA?

DNA contains deoxyribose.

What holds the nitrogenous bases in DNA together?

Hydrogen bonds.

What enzyme unwinds the DNA double helix during replication?

Helicase.

What is the primary function of DNA polymerase?

To add nucleotides to a growing DNA strand.

What does 'semi-conservative' DNA replication mean?

Each new molecule contains one old and one new strand.

What is the central dogma of molecular biology?

DNA → RNA → Protein.

Where does transcription occur in eukaryotic cells?

In the nucleus.

Which enzyme synthesizes RNA?

RNA polymerase.

What is a codon?

A three-nucleotide sequence on mRNA that codes for an amino acid.

Which base is found in RNA but not in DNA?

Uracil.

What is the main role of mRNA?

To carry the genetic code to the ribosome.

What molecule brings amino acids to the ribosome?

tRNA.

What is the function of ribosomes?

To synthesize proteins.

What is a mutation?

A change in the DNA sequence.

Which process produces a complementary RNA copy of DNA?

Transcription.

What best describes translation?

RNA being converted into a protein.

Which structure is not directly involved in translation?

DNA.

What is the start codon in most organisms?

AUG.

What term refers to the expressed genetic makeup of an organism?

Phenotype.

How does the structure of DNA enable it to store genetic information?

The order of nitrogen bases encodes instructions.

What are the roles of mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA during protein synthesis?

mRNA carries the genetic code; tRNA brings amino acids; rRNA forms ribosomes.

What are the different types of mutations?

Types include substitution, insertion, deletion.

What is the difference between DNA replication and transcription?

Replication makes DNA; transcription makes RNA.

How do enzymes like DNA polymerase and RNA polymerase function?

They speed up reactions like building DNA or RNA.

What evidence supports the theory of evolution?

Fossil record, DNA similarities, and anatomical similarities.

How do natural selection and genetic drift differ?

Natural selection depends on fitness; genetic drift is random.

What is speciation?

The process of forming new species.

Which factor most directly increases genetic variation?

Mutations.

How are organisms classified in the taxonomic system?

By physical traits, evolutionary history, and genetic relationships.

What is likely to happen to a mutation that provides a survival advantage?

It is likely to increase in frequency over generations.

Which molecule carries amino acids to the ribosome?

tRNA.

What sugar is found in DNA?

Deoxyribose.

Which principle explains the relationship between an organism's traits and environment in natural selection?

Environmental conditions determine whether a specific phenotype is advantageous or disadvantageous.

How is evolution defined?

Change in populations over time.

Who proposed the theory of natural selection?

Charles Darwin.

What sugar is found in RNA?

Ribose.

Which statement about DNA is true?

It is double-stranded.

What is a trait that increases an organism’s survival called?

Adaptation.

What does evolution act on?

Populations.

What are the observable traits of an organism called?

Phenotype.

What is the movement of alleles between populations called?

Gene flow.

What is a random change in allele frequencies due to chance called?

Genetic drift.

What are the three domains of life?

Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya.

How likely is a mutation providing a survival advantage to disappear from the population?

It is unlikely to disappear; it may increase in frequency.