Molecular Genetics: Gene Regulation, Operons, and Mutations - Vocabulary Flashcards

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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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36 Terms

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Operon

A section of DNA that contains the genes for the proteins needed for a specific metabolic pathway in prokaryotes.

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Promoter

DNA region where RNA polymerase binds to begin transcription.

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Operator

DNA segment where repressors bind to block transcription.

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Regulatory gene

Gene that codes for proteins (such as repressors) that regulate transcription.

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Repressor

Protein that binds to the operator to prevent transcription; can be active or inactive.

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Trp operon

Operon containing genes for tryptophan-synthesis enzymes.

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Lac operon

Operon containing genes for enzymes that digest lactose; regulation involves repressor and inducer (allolactose).

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Allolactose

Inducer that binds to the repressor to inactivate it, allowing transcription.

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RNA polymerase

Enzyme that transcribes DNA into mRNA.

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mRNA

Messenger RNA; transcript that codes for proteins.

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Repressor (active)

Repressor that binds the operator to prevent transcription.

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Repressor (inactive)

Repressor that cannot bind the operator, allowing transcription (often due to inducer).

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lacI (lacl) gene

Gene that codes for the lac repressor protein.

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Transcription factors

Proteins that regulate transcription to ensure genes are used at the right time and in proper amounts.

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Eukaryote gene regulation

Regulation of transcription in eukaryotes, involving transcription factors and DNA structure.

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Hox genes

Genes that determine the general body pattern of most animals.

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RNA interference

Process that can stop the mRNA from translating its message.

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Mutation

A permanent change that occurs in a cell’s DNA.

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Point mutation

A single-nucleotide substitution.

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Insertion

Addition of one or more nucleotides to DNA, causing a frameshift.

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Deletion

Removal of nucleotides from DNA, causing a frameshift.

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Missense mutation

Substitution that changes one amino acid in the protein.

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Nonsense mutation

Substitution that creates a stop codon, truncating the protein.

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Duplication

A mutation involving the expansion of a sequence (tandem repeats) through duplication.

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Expanding mutation (tandem repeats)

Mutation where sequence repeats increase in number across generations.

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Frameshift mutation

Mutation caused by insertions or deletions that shift the reading frame.

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Achondroplasia

Impaired development of cartilage on the ends of long bones, leading to dwarfism.

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Muscular dystrophy

Progressive muscle disorder characterized by weakening of muscles.

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Cystic fibrosis

Condition with abnormally thick mucus in lungs, intestines, and pancreas.

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Crohn’s disease

Chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract with diarrhea and pain.

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Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (type 1A)

Damage to peripheral nerves causing weakness and muscle atrophy.

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Huntington’s disease

Progressive brain disease with uncontrolled movements, emotional disturbances, and mental deterioration.

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Spontaneous mutation

Mutation that occurs without an external cause.

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Mutagen

Agent that causes mutations; high-energy radiation (X-rays, gamma rays) are mutagenic.

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Somatic cell mutation

Mutations in body cells that are not passed to offspring.

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Germline (sex-cell) mutation

Mutations in sex cells that are passed to offspring and appear in every cell of the offspring.