Genomes and Chromosomes Lecture Notes

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to genomes, chromosomes, and molecular genetics as presented in the lecture notes.

Genome

The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.

Haemophilus influenzae

The first complete genome sequenced, revealing the complete instruction book of a free-living organism.

Mycoplasma genitalium

Organism with the smallest known genome, used to study minimalistic genetic requirements for independent existence.

Human Genome Project

An international research initiative to sequence and map all the genes of the human genome.

E. coli

A common bacterium whose various strains differ in pathogenicity and gene content.

Transposable elements (transposons)

Genetic elements capable of moving from one position to another within the genome.

Antibiotic resistance

The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of an antibiotic that once could successfully treat them.

Plasmids

Extrachromosomal DNA elements that replicate independently of chromosomal DNA and often carry beneficial genes.

Rho-dependent termination

A mechanism of transcription termination requiring the protein Rho.

Ribozyme

An RNA molecule that has catalytic activity, such as the peptidyltransferase activity of rRNA.

Okazaki fragments

Short segments of DNA synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication.

Sigma factors

Proteins needed for the initiation of transcription in bacteria, allowing RNA polymerase to recognize promoter regions.

Operons

Groups of genes transcribed together under the control of a single promoter, found typically in bacteria.

Degenerate code

Refers to the redundancy in the genetic code where multiple codons can specify the same amino acid.

Signal sequence

A peptide sequence that directs the transport of a protein to its proper location within or outside the cell.

Chaperones

Proteins that assist in the proper folding of other proteins.

Nucleoid

The region in prokaryotic cells where the chromosome is located, compacted into a structure.

Translation

The process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins based on the sequence of mRNA.

Posttranslational modification

Chemical modifications made to a protein after its translation, which can affect its function!

Nutritional immunity

The process by which a host sequesters essential nutrients such as iron to limit pathogen growth.