Unit 6 classoom notes AI flashcards

DNA & RNA Structure

Genetic information is stored as the sequence of bases in DNA & RNA, which are polymers containing nucleotides and exhibit specific nucleotide base pairing.

Semiconservative Replication

DNA replication ensures continuity of hereditary information through a process where each original DNA strand serves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand.

Transcription & RNA Processing

Transcription is the process of synthesizing mRNA from DNA, involving the separation of DNA strands and the synthesis of mRNA in the 5’ → 3’ direction.

Translation

Translation is the process of converting mRNA into a polypeptide chain, involving initiation, elongation, and termination steps on ribosomes.

Regulation of Gene Expression

Gene expression is regulated by regulatory sequences, proteins, and epigenetic changes, influencing the transcription of genes and resulting in observable cell differentiation.

Operons

Operons are groups of genes under the control of the same regulatory sequence, transcribed in a single mRNA in prokaryotes, with an operator that can inhibit or promote transcription.

Promoters

Promoters are DNA sequences where RNA polymerase and transcription factors bind to initiate transcription, influencing the expression of genes and determining the phenotype of an organism.

Mutations

Changes in the genome of an organism that can be positive, negative, or neutral based on their effect on resulting nucleic acid or protein.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an organism determined by the function and amount of gene products.

Genetic Variation

Differences in DNA sequences among individuals within a population, primarily caused by mutations and changes in chromosome numbers.

Polyploidy

Having multiple sets of homologous chromosomes, which can result in increased vigor in plants or sterility in animals.

Natural Selection

The process where organisms better adapted to their environment have a higher chance of survival and reproduction, leading to the passing on of advantageous traits to the next generation.

Transformation

The uptake of naked DNA from an external source, primarily occurring in prokaryotes.

Gel Electrophoresis

A technique that separates DNA molecules based on size and charge by applying an electric current through a gel.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A method to amplify DNA fragments, allowing for the creation of large DNA samples from small initial amounts.

DNA Sequencing

Determining the order of nucleotides in a DNA molecule, crucial for various fields like evolutionary biology, medicine, and forensics.