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Genes and Cellular Function - Anatomy & Physiology

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Terms in this set (20)

  • What percentage of DNA is identical among all humans?
    99.9% of human DNA is identical; the remaining 0.1% accounts for genetic variation.
  • What is the basic structure of DNA?
    DNA is a polymer of nucleotides forming a double helix with complementary nitrogenous base pairs.
  • What is chromatin and how does it relate to chromosomes?
    Chromatin is DNA wrapped around proteins; tightly wound chromatin forms chromosomes.
  • Name the three important types of RNA and their general function.
    mRNA carries genetic code, tRNA brings amino acids, and rRNA forms the ribosome structure.
  • Define a gene.
    A gene is a segment of DNA that contains information to synthesize one or more proteins.
  • What is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)?
    An SNP is a variation at a single nucleotide position in DNA, contributing to genetic diversity.
  • How many amino acids are used to make proteins, and how are they encoded?
    Proteins are made from 20 amino acids, encoded by sequences of 3 DNA nucleotides called codons.
  • What is transcription in genetics?
    Transcription is the process of copying DNA into messenger RNA (mRNA) using the enzyme RNA polymerase.
  • Describe the process of translation.
    Translation is when ribosomes read mRNA codons and tRNAs bring amino acids to build a protein.
  • Summarize the central dogma of molecular biology.
    DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into proteins.
  • How do mRNA vaccines work?
    mRNA vaccines deliver instructions to cells to produce a protein spike that triggers an immune response.
  • What is gene regulation?
    Gene regulation involves turning genes on or off depending on cellular needs and environmental signals.
  • Give examples of traits influenced by gene variations.
    Traits like eye color, hair color, height, and lactose tolerance are influenced by gene differences.
  • What causes sickle cell anemia at the genetic level?
    A mutation causing a single amino acid substitution in the beta-globin protein leads to sickle-shaped red blood cells.
  • Describe the mutation and effect in cystic fibrosis.
    A deletion of three nucleotides causes absence of an amino acid in the CFTR protein, leading to thick mucus buildup.
  • What are common causes of mutations?
    Mutations can be spontaneous from DNA replication errors or induced by chemicals, radiation, and UV light.
  • What is epigenetics?
    Epigenetics studies changes in gene expression caused by environmental factors without altering the DNA sequence.
  • How do methylation and acetylation affect DNA accessibility?
    Methylation tightens DNA packaging making genes inactive, while acetylation loosens it making genes active.
  • What was learned from the Dutch hunger winter about epigenetics?
    Malnutrition during pregnancy caused epigenetic changes that increased health risks in offspring and subsequent generations.
  • How does a skin cell know to perform skin-specific functions and not stomach functions?
    Gene regulation turns on skin-specific genes and turns off stomach-specific genes, defining cell identity.