Inheritance

• What is the entirety of an organism's DNA called?

  Genome
• What is a gene?


  A gene is a section of a molecule of DNA.
• What does each gene within the genome code for?


  Each gene codes for a particular sequence of amino acids.
• What do sequences of amino acids form?


  They form different types of proteins.
• How do genes control our characteristics?


  They code for proteins that play important roles in cell functions.
• What are some examples of different types of proteins?

  • Structural proteins (e.g., collagen in skin cells)
  • Enzymes
  • Hormones
• What is DNA?


  DNA is deoxyribonucleic acid, the genetic material found in the nucleus of a cell.
• What is the structure of DNA?


  DNA is a polymer made up of two strands coiled into a double helix.
• What forms the strands of DNA?


  The strands are formed from a sugar phosphate backbone with bases.
• What are the four bases of DNA?

  Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C).
• How do the bases of DNA pair together?

  A pairs with T and G pairs with C.
• Why are base-pairing rules important?

  They are essential for cell division and protein synthesis.
• What structures are formed when DNA supercoils?

  Chromosomes.
• When are chromosomes visible?

  Chromosomes are only visible during cell division.
• How many pairs of chromosomes do ordinary human body cells contain?

  23 pairs.
• What is a homologous pair?

  A homologous pair consists of one chromosome from each parent.
• Where are genes located?

  Genes are found in specific locations on the chromosomes.
• What was identified in the human genome project?


  The specific locations of genes on chromosomes.
• What is the main difference between RNA and DNA?


  RNA is single-stranded, while DNA is double-stranded.
• What nitrogenous bases are found in RNA?


  RNA contains adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and uracil (U).
• What is the structure of RNA?


  RNA is made up of a single polynucleotide strand with ribose sugars and phosphate groups.
• What are the three types of RNA molecules?

  Messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA).
• What is the role of messenger RNA (mRNA)?


  mRNA is the transcript copy of a gene that encodes a specific polypeptide.
• What is the role of transfer RNA (tRNA)?


  tRNA is involved in protein synthesis.
• What is the role of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)?


  rRNA forms part of a ribosome.
• What are the stages of protein synthesis?


  1. Transcription: DNA is transcribed to produce mRNA.
  2. Translation: mRNA is translated to produce an amino acid sequence (protein).
• Where does transcription occur?


  Transcription occurs in the nucleus of the cell.
• What is produced during transcription?


  A copy of a section of DNA in the form of a strand of mRNA.
• What happens to the DNA molecule during transcription?


  Part of the DNA molecule unwinds and hydrogen bonds break.
• What binds to the template strand during transcription?


  Free mRNA nucleotides bind to complementary nucleotides on the template strand.
• What happens to the mRNA nucleotides during transcription?


  The mRNA nucleotides are joined to form a single strand of mRNA.
• How does the mRNA molecule leave the nucleus?


  The mRNA molecule leaves via a pore in the nuclear envelope.
• Where does translation occur?


  Translation occurs in the cytoplasm of the cell.
• What does the mRNA molecule attach to after leaving the nucleus?


  The mRNA molecule attaches to a ribosome.
• What do tRNA molecules carry?


  tRNA molecules carry a specific amino acid and have an anticodon.
• What is the role of the anticodon on tRNA?


  The anticodon pairs with a complementary codon on the mRNA molecule.
• What happens when a second tRNA molecule attaches to the mRNA?


  A peptide bond is formed between the two neighboring amino acids.
• What signals the end of translation?


  A 'stop' codon on the mRNA molecule signals translation to stop.
• What happens to the amino acid chain after translation?


  The amino acid chain is folded and modified to form the final protein molecule.
• What is an allele?


  An allele is a variation of the same gene.