Chapter 16

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture 'How Genes Work', focusing on gene expression, mutations, and the central dogma of molecular biology.

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

The process of converting information in DNA into functioning molecules, including gene expression through transcription and translation.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize functional gene products, typically proteins.

Transcription

The process of making a copy of information from DNA to RNA.

Translation

The process of interpreting the nucleotide sequence in mRNA to synthesize a specific amino acid sequence.

Genotype

The genetic constitution of an individual, comprised of the specific DNA sequences.

Phenotype

The observable physical and biochemical traits of an organism, resulting from the expression of genes.

Mutation

Any permanent change in an organism’s DNA that can affect genotype and may lead to new alleles.

Point Mutation

A mutation that results from a change in one or a few nucleotides in the DNA sequence.

Chromosome Mutation

A larger scale mutation that affects chromosome structure or number.

Silent Mutation

A mutation that does not change the amino acid specified by a codon, thus having no effect on phenotype.

Missense Mutation

A mutation that changes the amino acid specified by a codon, potentially altering protein function.

Nonsense Mutation

A mutation that results in an early stop codon, leading to a truncated protein.

Frameshift Mutation

A mutation caused by the addition or deletion of nucleotides that shifts the reading frame of the codons.

Reading Frame

The way in which a sequence of nucleotides is divided into codons, affecting how the mRNA is translated into proteins.

Universal Genetic Code

The concept that the genetic code is nearly identical across all living organisms, allowing genes to be expressed in different species.

Reverse Transcriptase

An enzyme used by some viruses to convert RNA back into DNA.

Glycoprotein

A molecule that consists of a carbohydrate plus a protein; often involved in biological recognition.

Chromosome Alteration

Changes in chromosome structure or number that can alter genetic information.