Chapter 7: Genomes and Chromosomes

Vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from Chapter 7 on Genomes and Chromosomes.

Genome

The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.

Haemophilus influenzae

First complete genome sequenced in 1995, causes respiratory infections.

Microbial Genome

The genetic material of microorganisms, which can include multiple types and structures.

Plasmid

An extrachromosomal DNA molecule that can replicate independently of chromosomal DNA.

Transposable Elements

Genetic elements that can move from one location to another within a genome.

Antibiotics

Substances that can inhibit bacterial growth by targeting specific processes such as transcription or translation.

Gene content variability

Differences in the number and types of genes present in different genomes.

Codon

A triplet of nucleotides on mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid.

Transcription

The process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using mRNA as a template.

Ribosome

The cellular machinery responsible for translating mRNA into proteins.

Sigma Factor

A protein that binds to RNA polymerase to facilitate the recognition of promoter regions during transcription.

tRNA

Transfer RNA that transports amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA that is a component of the ribosome and plays a crucial role in protein synthesis.

Okazaki fragments

Short DNA sequences synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication.

Virulence factors

Molecules produced by pathogens that contribute to the pathogenicity of the organism.

Genetic code redundancy

The phenomenon where multiple codons can encode the same amino acid.

Promoter region

The region of DNA where RNA polymerase binds to initiate transcription.