Untitled Flashcards Set

What is the first step of DNA expression?

To turn DNA into RNA, a process known as transcription.

What do proteins regulate in a cell?

Almost everything that occurs in the cell.

How is mRNA made from DNA?

Through a process called transcription.

What is the role of tRNA?

To bring amino acids to the ribosomes and match anticodons to codons.

What are exons?

Regions in the mRNA that express the code, whereas introns are noncoding regions.

What is splicing?

The process by which introns are removed from mRNA before it leaves the nucleus.

What is a codon?

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that corresponds to a particular amino acid.

What is the start codon for translation?

A–U–G, which codes for the amino acid methionine.

What is transcriptional regulation?

The regulation of gene expression that occurs before transcription.

What are Hox genes?

A subset of homeotic genes that are involved in determining the body plan and organization during embryonic development.

What is a mutation?

An error in the genetic code due to damage or incorrect repairs.

What are the types of point mutations?

Nonsense, missense, and silent mutations.

What happens during the lytic cycle of a virus?

The virus immediately uses the host cell’s machinery to replicate its genetic material.

What is recombinant DNA?

DNA that is generated by combining DNA from multiple sources to create a unique molecule.

What does PCR stand for?

Polymerase Chain Reaction.

What is the purpose of gel electrophoresis?

To separate DNA fragments according to their molecular weight and charge.

What are RFLPs?

Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms, which are differences in DNA sequences that result in varying fragment lengths.

What does reverse transcriptase do in retroviruses like HIV?

It converts the RNA genomes into DNA for insertion into a host genome.

What is transformation in genetics?

The process of giving bacteria foreign DNA.

What is the function of RNA polymerase during transcription?

To build RNA by adding nucleotides to the 3′ side.