Chapter 7: Genes, Chromatin & Chromosomes

These flashcards focus on key vocabulary terms related to gene structure, chromatin, chromosome organization, and genetic mechanisms as covered in Chapter 7.

Gene

The physical and functional unit of heredity containing the entire DNA sequence necessary for the production of a functional protein or RNA.

Polycistronic Transcription Unit

A type of prokaryotic gene organization where multiple genes are transcribed together into a single mRNA molecule.

Introns

Non-coding segments of a gene that are removed during RNA processing.

Alternative Splicing

A process by which different combinations of exons are joined together to produce multiple protein isoforms from a single gene.

Genome Organization

The arrangement of genes, regulatory elements, and non-coding regions within a genome.

C-value Paradox

The observation that genome size does not correlate with organismal complexity.

Eukaryotic Genes

Genes found in eukaryotic organisms, often characterized by the presence of introns and complex regulatory elements.

Transposable Elements

DNA sequences that can change their position within the genome, sometimes creating mutations.

Histone Proteins

Basic proteins around which DNA winds to form nucleosomes, playing a key role in chromatin structure and gene regulation.

Telomeres

Repetitive nucleotide sequences at the ends of chromosomes that protect them from degradation.