Chapter 24: Genes and Chromosomes

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to the structure and function of genes and chromosomes, as discussed in Chapter 24 of Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry.

What is the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology?

The flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.

What is a Gene?

A segment of DNA that encodes for a functional protein or RNA molecule.

What is Transcription?

The process in which RNA is synthesized from a DNA template.

What is Translation?

The synthesis of proteins based on the information stored in messenger RNA.

What are Introns?

Non-coding regions of a gene that are transcribed but not translated.

What are Exons?

Coding regions of a gene that are expressed and translated into amino acids.

What is a Eukaryotic Chromosome?

A structure containing linear DNA molecules associated with proteins.

What are Telomeres?

Repeated sequences at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes, essential for DNA replication.

What is a Centromere?

The region on a chromosome where sister chromatids are joined and attach to the mitotic spindle.

What is Supercoiling?

The coiling of DNA that occurs to compact it within a cell.

What is Topoisomerase?

An enzyme that alters the supercoiling of DNA.

What is a Karyotype?

A complete set of chromosomes in a somatic cell of a given species.

What is a Plasmid?

Extra-chromosomal circular DNA found in bacteria that can carry genes.

What is Alternative splicing?

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

What is a Nucleosome?

The basic unit of DNA packaging in eukaryotic cells, consisting of DNA wrapped around histone proteins.

What is Chromatin?

The complex of DNA and protein found in eukaryotic cells.

What is Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)?

The DNA found in mitochondria, which is separate from nuclear DNA and encodes some mitochondrial proteins.

What is a Viral genome?

The genetic material of a virus, which can be DNA or RNA, either single-stranded or double-stranded.

What is Non-coding DNA?

Regions of DNA that do not code for proteins but may have regulatory roles or other functions.