Principles of Genetics

Flashcards covering key concepts in genetics, focused on molecular biology, DNA structure and function, gene expression, and biotechnological applications.

What is the central dogma of molecular biology?

The central dogma describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein, involving DNA replication, transcription to mRNA, and translation to protein.

What are the four types of nucleotides in DNA?

Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C), and Thymine (T).

What does PCR stand for?

Polymerase Chain Reaction.

What is the function of DNA polymerase during DNA replication?

DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotide precursors to the growing chain during replication.

What is the difference between ribose and deoxyribose?

Ribose has a hydroxyl (-OH) group on the 2' carbon, while deoxyribose has only a hydrogen atom on the 2' carbon.

What is transcription?

The process of copying genetic information from DNA to mRNA.

Define semi-conservative replication.

Semi-conservative replication is the mechanism by which DNA replication occurs, where each new DNA molecule consists of one old strand and one new strand.

What role do telomeres play in DNA replication?

Telomeres protect the ends of chromosomes from deterioration and prevent the loss of important DNA during replication.

What is the purpose of gel electrophoresis?

Gel electrophoresis is used to separate DNA fragments based on their size by applying an electrical field to the gel, causing the negatively charged DNA to migrate towards the positive electrode.

Describe the Sanger sequencing method.

The Sanger sequencing method involves DNA replication using dideoxynucleotides that terminate the chain, allowing for the determination of the DNA sequence.

What is CRISPR-Cas9?

CRISPR-Cas9 is a genome editing tool that allows for specific alterations of DNA sequences, enabling removal or addition of genetic material.

Explain the difference between transcription and translation.

Transcription is the process of synthesizing RNA from DNA, while translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA.

What is methylation in the context of gene regulation?

Methylation is a biochemical modification where a methyl group is added to DNA, typically leading to gene silencing.

What is the function of a promoter?

A promoter is a DNA sequence that enables the initiation of gene transcription by providing a binding site for RNA polymerase.

What are enhancers in DNA regulation?

Enhancers are sequence elements that increase the likelihood of transcription by aiding the binding of transcription factors to the promoter.

What is a transgenic animal?

A transgenic animal is one that has been genetically modified to carry and express genes from other species.

What are the main steps in the process of PCR?

The three main steps in PCR are denaturation, annealing, and extension.

What are SNPs?

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are variations at a single nucleotide position in the DNA sequence among individuals.

Define post-transcriptional control in gene expression.

Post-transcriptional control includes processes such as mRNA splicing, stability, and transport that regulate gene expression after transcription.