Video Notes: Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance & DNA Structure

Flashcards cover chromosomal theory, DNA/RNA structure, base chemistry, transcription/translation, replication, and DNA extraction methods as presented in the video notes.

Chromosomal theory of inheritance

Genes are located on chromosomes; chromosomes segregate and assort like Mendel’s factors.

Chromosome

A DNA-containing structure that carries genetic information; typically exists as paired homologs in many organisms.

Gene

A unit of heredity on DNA that codes for a product (protein or RNA).

Sutton

Walter Sutton; proposed that chromosomes carry genes and follow Mendelian patterns.

Boveri

Theodor Boveri; argued that chromosomes are required for proper development.

Meiosis

A cell division that halves chromosome number to form germ cells.

Reducing division

Another term for meiosis; reduces chromosome number by half.

Germ cell

Reproductive cell (gamete) produced by meiosis.

Homologous chromosomes

Matched maternal and paternal chromosomes that pair and segregate during meiosis.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid; the molecule that stores genetic information in cells.

RNA

Ribonucleic acid; intermediary/temporary genetic material involved in protein synthesis.

Genome

The total genetic content in an organism's DNA.

mRNA

Messenger RNA; carries genetic information from DNA to ribosome for translation.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of nucleic acids; composed of phosphate, sugar, and base.

Nucleoside

A sugar plus a nitrogenous base (no phosphate).

Deoxyribose

The five-carbon sugar in DNA lacking the 2' hydroxyl.

Ribose

The five-carbon sugar in RNA with a 2' hydroxyl.

Nitrogenous base

The 'letters' of DNA/RNA; purines and pyrimidines.

Purine

A class of bases including adenine and guanine.

Pyrimidine

A class of bases including cytosine, thymine, and uracil.

Adenine

Purine base that pairs with thymine in DNA and with uracil in RNA.

Thymine

Pyrimidine base that pairs with adenine in DNA.

Cytosine

Pyrimidine base that pairs with guanine.

Guanine

Purine base that pairs with cytosine.

Uracil

Pyrimidine base in RNA that replaces thymine.

Phosphodiester bond

Bond linking adjacent nucleotides between a phosphate group and the sugar.

5' to 3' ends

Directionality of a nucleic acid strand; 5' end bears phosphate; 3' end bears hydroxyl.

Antiparallel

DNA strands run in opposite 5' to 3' directions in the double helix.

Base pairing

Specific pairing: A with T (DNA) or A with U (RNA), and G with C.

Double helix

The two-stranded, helical structure of DNA proposed by Watson–Crick.

Central Dogma

Genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein (transcription and translation).

Transcription

Copying a DNA sequence into RNA.

Translation

Synthesis of a protein from mRNA at the ribosome.

Replication

Copying DNA prior to cell division.

DNA extraction

Technique to isolate DNA from cells or tissues.

Cell lysis

Step to break open cells and release their contents.

Proteinase K

Enzyme that digests proteins to free DNA during extraction.

Magnetic bead DNA isolation

A DNA isolation method using magnetic beads to capture DNA.

Alcohol precipitation

DNA precipitation method using alcohol to separate DNA from solution.

mtDNA

Mitochondrial DNA; circular chromosome in mitochondria.

cpDNA

Chloroplast DNA; circular chromosome in chloroplasts.

nDNA

Nuclear DNA; linear chromosomes in the cell nucleus.

Strawberry octoploid

Strawberries have eight complete sets of chromosomes (octoploid).

Karyotype

A chart showing the size and number of an organism's chromosomes.