Introduction to Genomic Complexity

A collection of flashcards based on Chapter 1: Introduction to genomic complexity and its implications.

What is the primary focus of the lecture in Chapter 1?

The complexity of the genome and its implications regarding the ranking of organisms based on DNA.

What does the 'C value paradox' suggest about genome size?

Genome size does not correlate with the complexity or advancement of an organism.

What is the difference between highly repetitive and moderately repetitive DNA?

Highly repetitive DNA makes up about 10% of the genome and consists of tandem repeats, while moderately repetitive DNA consists of sequences averaging about 300 base pairs and makes up about 30% of the genome.

Who proposed the concept of the 'G value paradox'?

Ryan Gregory proposed the G value paradox, which states that the number of genes does not correlate with the complexity of an organism.

What is meant by 'junk DNA'?

Junk DNA refers to sections of DNA that do not appear to have a function or coding sequence.

What is the transcriptional unit?

The transcriptional unit includes regulatory sequences, the promoter region, the transcribed region, and the terminator site.

How much of the human genome is made up of unique gene sequences?

Up to about 5% of the human genome is made up of unique gene sequences.

What is the primary function of the promoter in transcription?

The promoter serves as the binding site for RNA polymerase and controls the initiation of transcription.

Explain what 'alternative splicing' allows in eukaryotic cells.

Alternative splicing allows the creation of multiple protein products from a single gene by varying the inclusion or exclusion of exons.

What role do transcription factors play in gene regulation?

Transcription factors are regulatory proteins that bind to DNA and can activate or repress the transcription of specific genes.