L3-4 Karyotypes and Cancer Biology

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and processes related to karyotypes, chromosomes, and cancer biology discussed in the lecture.

Karyotype

The number and visual appearance of the chromosomes in the cell nuclei of an organism.

Aneuploidy

An abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell.

HeLa cells

A type of cancer cell line derived from cervical cancer cells taken from Henrietta Lacks.

Cohesin complex

A protein complex crucial for chromosome organization and segregation.

CTCF protein

A DNA-binding protein that plays a key role in regulating chromatin structure and gene expression.

Transcriptionally active compartments

Regions of the nucleus where genes are actively being transcribed.

Transcriptionally silent compartments

Regions of the nucleus where genes are not being actively transcribed.

Epigenetics

The study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself.

Proto-oncogenes

Normal genes that can become oncogenes due to mutations or increased expression.

Oncogenes

Genes that have the potential to cause cancer.

Histone code

The hypothesis that specific combinations of histone modifications influence gene expression.

DNA methylation

The addition of methyl groups to DNA, affecting gene expression without altering the sequence.

Nucleosome

The basic unit of DNA packaging in eukaryotes, consisting of a segment of DNA wound around a core of histone proteins.

Histone variants

Different forms of histone proteins that can influence the structure and activity of chromatin.

Chromatin loops

Loops of DNA that bring distant regions of the genome into closer proximity, facilitating regulatory interactions.

Enhancers

Regulatory DNA sequences that increase the likelihood of transcription of a particular gene.

Silencers

DNA sequences that inhibit gene transcription.

Cohesin

A protein complex responsible for holding sister chromatids together during cell division.

CRISPR

A technology used for editing genes and modifying DNA.

Histone acetylation

The addition of acetyl groups to histones, often associated with increased gene expression.

Histone methylation

The addition of methyl groups to histones, which can either activate or repress gene expression.

Nuclear organization

The spatial arrangement of nuclear components, including the organization of chromatin and chromosomes in the nucleus.