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Questions and Answers
What is the function of DNA in cells?
What is the function of DNA in cells?
- To provide energy to the cell
- To regulate cell growth
- To store and transmit genetic information (correct)
- To provide structural support to the cell
What is the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
What is the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
- The presence of membrane-bound organelles (correct)
- The size of the cell
- The type of DNA in the cell
- The shape of the cell
Where is the DNA located in a prokaryotic cell?
Where is the DNA located in a prokaryotic cell?
- In the mitochondria
- In the Golgi bodies
- In the cytosol (correct)
- In the nucleus
What is the structure of DNA in prokaryotic cells?
What is the structure of DNA in prokaryotic cells?
What is the function of plasmids in prokaryotic cells?
What is the function of plasmids in prokaryotic cells?
How many chromosomes are found in human somatic cells?
How many chromosomes are found in human somatic cells?
What is a karyotype?
What is a karyotype?
What are the building blocks of chromosomes?
What are the building blocks of chromosomes?
What is the primary function of telomeres?
What is the primary function of telomeres?
When are chromosomes visible under a light microscope?
When are chromosomes visible under a light microscope?
What is the term for the decondensed form of chromosomes?
What is the term for the decondensed form of chromosomes?
Why is it important for chromatin to condense into chromosomes prior to cell division?
Why is it important for chromatin to condense into chromosomes prior to cell division?
What is unique about the DNA found in mitochondria and chloroplasts?
What is unique about the DNA found in mitochondria and chloroplasts?
Why is it important for chromatin to be decondensed during the cell cycle?
Why is it important for chromatin to be decondensed during the cell cycle?
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Study Notes
Chromosomes and DNA
- DNA is the structural unit of information in cells, storing and transmitting genetic information and managing cellular activities.
- DNA is universal and functions similarly in all living things, allowing DNA from one species to be inserted into another species' genome.
Prokaryotic Cells
- Prokaryotic cells are unspecialized and lack membrane-bound organelles, characteristic of bacterial cells.
- In prokaryotic cells, DNA is located in the cytosol, known as the nucleoid region, and consists of one circular, double-stranded chromosome.
- Prokaryotic cells also contain RNA, proteins, and plasmids, which are small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecules separate from the chromosomal DNA.
Eukaryotic Cells
- Eukaryotic cells are highly organized, specialized, and characteristic of animals, plants, and fungi.
- They contain membrane-bound organelles, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts, Golgi bodies, and endoplasmic reticulum, each with specific functions.
Chromosomes in Eukaryotic Cells
- Most DNA in eukaryotic cells is found in the nucleus, specifically in 46 chromosomes organized into 23 pairs (22 autosomal and 1 sex chromosome).
- Chromosomes are condensed linear strands of DNA and histone proteins, with telomeres at the ends to protect against breakdown and fusion.
- Chromosomes are only visible under a light microscope during cell division when DNA is tightly coiled around histone proteins (condensed).
Chromatin
- Chromatin is the decondensed form of chromosomes, present in the nucleus throughout the cell cycle (excluding cell division).
- Chromatin is essential for DNA synthesis, protein synthesis, and RNA synthesis, as it makes the genetic code accessible.
Mitochondrial and Chloroplast DNA
- Mitochondria (mtDNA) and chloroplasts (cpDNA) are eukaryotic membrane-bound organelles that contain double-stranded, circular DNA molecules.
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