Molecular Basis of Inheritance Quiz

Deoxyribonucleic acid, a long polymer of deoxyribonucleotides that carries genetic information in most organisms.

The number of nucleotides (or base pairs) in a DNA molecule, determining its length.

A nitrogenous base (Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, or Thymine) linked to a pentose sugar (deoxyribose in DNA) and a phosphate group.

Two nucleotides linked by a 3'-5' phosphodiester bond. This bond forms the backbone of DNA.

The arrangement of DNA in eukaryotes where it's wrapped around positively charged histone proteins forming a 'beads-on-string' structure.

The process by which DNA makes an identical copy of itself. This ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete copy of the genome.

The theory stating that DNA replication produces two new DNA molecules, each containing one parental strand and one newly synthesized strand.

The enzyme responsible for catalyzing the polymerization of deoxyribonucleotides during DNA replication. It uses a DNA template to create a new strand.

A specific region in DNA where replication begins. This region contains sequences that initiate the process.

Short, discontinuous fragments of DNA synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication. They are later joined by DNA ligase.

The process of copying genetic information from DNA to RNA, following the principle of complementarity.

A segment of DNA that contains the information for a specific RNA molecule, consisting of a promoter, structural gene, and terminator.

A DNA sequence located upstream of the structural gene in a transcription unit. It provides a binding site for RNA polymerase, initiating transcription.

A DNA sequence located downstream of the structural gene in a transcription unit. It signals the end of transcription.

A segment of DNA coding for a polypeptide, the building block of a protein.

Coding sequences in a gene that are present in mature RNA, determining the amino acid sequence of a protein.

Non-coding sequences within a gene that are removed during RNA processing. These sequences are not translated into proteins.

The process of removing introns and joining exons in a defined order to produce a functional RNA molecule.

A type of RNA that carries the genetic code from DNA to ribosomes, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis.

A type of RNA molecule that brings specific amino acids to ribosomes during protein synthesis, matching the genetic code on mRNA.

A type of RNA molecule that forms part of the ribosome structure, serving as a catalyst for peptide bond formation in protein synthesis.

The process of forming a protein from a sequence of amino acids, guided by the genetic code on mRNA.

The cellular factory responsible for protein synthesis. It consists of ribosomal RNA and proteins, and has sites for mRNA and tRNA binding.

The control of gene expression, determining which genes are activated (on) or deactivated (off) in a cell. This regulates the production of proteins.

A cluster of genes under the control of a single promoter, commonly found in bacteria, where related genes are transcribed together.

A system of gene regulation in bacteria, where lactose acts as an inducer, switching on the expression of genes for lactose metabolism.

A molecule that binds to a repressor protein and inactivates it, allowing gene expression. In the Lac Operon, lactose acts as an inducer.

A protein that binds to the operator region of an operon, preventing RNA polymerase from transcribing the genes. In the Lac Operon, the repressor protein normally blocks lactose metabolism.

A sequence of DNA located near the promoter region of an operon, where repressor proteins can bind.

A research project with the goal to map and sequence the entire human genome, providing valuable information about human biology and disease.

The process of identifying differences in DNA sequences between individuals, often using repetitive DNA regions, to create a unique pattern for identification.

Regions of DNA containing repetitive sequences, often used in DNA fingerprinting to identify genetic differences.

Variations in DNA sequences that occur commonly in a population. These differences can be used for genetic mapping and understanding disease inheritance.