29 Questions
What is the main function of RNA?
To provide instructions to the cytosol to build proteins
What is the term for the complex of DNA, proteins, and some RNA?
Chromatin
How many chromosomes are found in human somatic cells?
46
What type of bond is formed between amino acids during protein synthesis?
Peptide bond
What is the base found in RNA instead of thymine?
Uracil
What is the term for the process by which cells make copies of proteins?
Protein synthesis
What is the primary function of epigenetics?
Turning genes on or off without changing their sequence
What is the result of methylation and acetylation?
Gene silencing
What is the purpose of somatic cell division?
To replace dead or injured cells and add new ones during growth
What would happen if reproductive cells had 46 chromosomes?
The resulting zygote would have 92 chromosomes
What is the characteristic of active chromatin?
Loosely arranged
What is the main function of meiosis in reproductive cells?
To prevent the number of chromosomes from doubling at fertilization
What is the result of DNA replication in somatic cell division?
Two identical double helix DNA molecules
What is the main difference between apoptosis and necrosis?
Apoptosis is genetically programmed, while necrosis is not
What is the term for the exchange of genetic material that occurs during meiosis?
Crossing over
What is the term for the cells that result from meiosis?
Haploid cells
What is the process by which old DNA pairs with a new nucleotide during DNA replication?
Base pairing
What is the role of proteins in cells?
To determine the physical and chemical characteristics of cells
What is the function of RNA polymerase in protein synthesis?
To attach start and stop instructions to pre-mRNA
What is the role of tRNA in protein synthesis?
To carry amino acids to the ribosome
What is the sequence of events in protein synthesis?
Gene, transcription, RNA, translation
What is the role of epigenetics in gene expression?
To regulate the expression of genes in cells
What is the codon in RNA?
A set of 3 nucleotides that codes for a specific amino acid
What is the result of incomplete dominance in the inheritance of blood groups?
Four blood types
What is the trigger for a sickle cell crisis?
All of the above
What is the probability of a person having sickle cell disease if they are a carrier of the gene?
1 in 4
What is the characteristic of red-green colour blindness?
X-linked recessive
What is the primary cause of Down's syndrome?
Nondisjunction
What is the benefit of having sickle cell disease?
Protection against malaria
Study Notes
Cell Structure and Genetics
- The cell has a nucleus, which contains DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
- DNA is a double-stranded molecule that carries genetic information, while RNA is a single-stranded molecule that carries instructions from DNA to the cytosol.
- Chromatin is the complex of DNA and proteins that make up chromosomes, which are found in the nucleus of human somatic cells (23 pairs, 46 total).
DNA and RNA
- DNA is made up of sets of 3 nucleotides that code for specific amino acids.
- RNA is a complementary sequence of 3 nucleotides called a codon, which also codes for specific amino acids.
- There are three types of RNA: mRNA (messenger RNA), rRNA (ribosomal RNA), and tRNA (transfer RNA).
Protein Synthesis
- Protein synthesis is the process of building proteins from amino acids.
- The sequence of amino acids is determined by the sequence of codons in mRNA.
- There are 20 amino acids that can be combined to form proteins.
- Peptide bonds are formed between amino acids to create a polypeptide chain, which then folds into a complex shape that determines its function.
Functions of Proteins
- Proteins determine the physical and chemical characteristics of cells and organisms.
- Functions of proteins include forming the plasma membrane, cytoskeleton, and other organelles, as well as acting as hormones, antibodies, and enzymes.
Gene Expression and Epigenetics
- Gene expression is the process of converting DNA into a functional product, such as a protein.
- Epigenetics is the study of chemical changes to DNA or histone proteins that can affect gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.
- Epigenetic changes can be influenced by environmental factors, such as diet and pollutants.
Cell Division
- Somatic cell division (mitosis) produces two genetically identical diploid cells.
- Reproductive cell division (meiosis) produces four haploid cells that are not genetically identical.
- Meiosis prevents the number of chromosomes from doubling at fertilization and allows for the exchange of genetic material.
Inheritance
- Inheritance is the passage of hereditary traits from one generation to the next.
- Examples of genetic conditions include sickle cell disease, sex-linked inheritance, and Down's syndrome.
Genetic Conditions
- Sickle cell disease is an example of incomplete dominance, where the presence of one dominant gene (P) and one recessive gene (p) results in a mild form of the disease.
- Red-green color blindness is an example of sex-linked inheritance, where the gene is located on the X chromosome.
- Congenital hemophilia is an X-linked recessive genetic disorder that affects blood clotting.
- Down's syndrome is a genetic condition caused by aneuploidy, where there is an uneven split of chromosomes during meiosis.
Test your understanding of the basics of genetics, including DNA and RNA structure, protein synthesis, nuclear cell division, and inheritance. This quiz covers key concepts and genetic conditions, perfect for students of HEA1091.
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