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Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from prokaryotic and eukaryotic gene regulation, RNA interference, and mutation concepts as described in the notes.
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Operon
A section of DNA that contains the genes for the proteins needed for a specific metabolic pathway in prokaryotes.
Promoter
DNA region where RNA polymerase binds to begin transcription.
Operator
DNA segment where repressors bind to block transcription.
Regulatory gene
Gene that codes for proteins (such as repressors) that regulate transcription.
Repressor
Protein that binds to the operator to prevent transcription; can be active or inactive.
Trp operon
Operon containing genes for tryptophan-synthesis enzymes.
Lac operon
Operon containing genes for enzymes that digest lactose; regulation involves repressor and inducer (allolactose).
Allolactose
Inducer that binds to the repressor to inactivate it, allowing transcription.
RNA polymerase
Enzyme that transcribes DNA into mRNA.
mRNA
Messenger RNA; transcript that codes for proteins.
Repressor (active)
Repressor that binds the operator to prevent transcription.
Repressor (inactive)
Repressor that cannot bind the operator, allowing transcription (often due to inducer).
lacI (lacl) gene
Gene that codes for the lac repressor protein.
Transcription factors
Proteins that regulate transcription to ensure genes are used at the right time and in proper amounts.
Eukaryote gene regulation
Regulation of transcription in eukaryotes, involving transcription factors and DNA structure.
Hox genes
Genes that determine the general body pattern of most animals.
RNA interference
Process that can stop the mRNA from translating its message.
Mutation
A permanent change that occurs in a cell’s DNA.
Point mutation
A single-nucleotide substitution.
Insertion
Addition of one or more nucleotides to DNA, causing a frameshift.
Deletion
Removal of nucleotides from DNA, causing a frameshift.
Missense mutation
Substitution that changes one amino acid in the protein.
Nonsense mutation
Substitution that creates a stop codon, truncating the protein.
Duplication
A mutation involving the expansion of a sequence (tandem repeats) through duplication.
Expanding mutation (tandem repeats)
Mutation where sequence repeats increase in number across generations.
Frameshift mutation
Mutation caused by insertions or deletions that shift the reading frame.
Achondroplasia
Impaired development of cartilage on the ends of long bones, leading to dwarfism.
Muscular dystrophy
Progressive muscle disorder characterized by weakening of muscles.
Cystic fibrosis
Condition with abnormally thick mucus in lungs, intestines, and pancreas.
Crohn’s disease
Chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract with diarrhea and pain.
Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (type 1A)
Damage to peripheral nerves causing weakness and muscle atrophy.
Huntington’s disease
Progressive brain disease with uncontrolled movements, emotional disturbances, and mental deterioration.
Spontaneous mutation
Mutation that occurs without an external cause.
Mutagen
Agent that causes mutations; high-energy radiation (X-rays, gamma rays) are mutagenic.
Somatic cell mutation
Mutations in body cells that are not passed to offspring.
Germline (sex-cell) mutation
Mutations in sex cells that are passed to offspring and appear in every cell of the offspring.