what is a chromosome?
a long molecule of DNA
how many chromosomes are in human cells?
46
define clones
organisms that share identical DNA
define genes (Your answer was wrong on a past paper markscheme = they said ignore that answer this is what your supposed to say)
short sections of DNA that code for a specific characteristic (ie. eye colour)A length of DNA that codes for a protein
where (within DNA), would a gene be found?
within a chromosome
what is the structure of DNA?
Two strandsTwisted in a double helixsmall units called nucleotidestherefore is a polymerhas complimentary base pairingsbase/phosphate group/deoxyribose sugar
what does thymine attatch onto?
adenine
what does cytosine join onto?
guanine
draw a nucleotide
a pentagon in the centre -> deoxyribose sugarrectangle on the RH side -> basecircle on the LH (diagonal) -> phosphate group
what is mRNA?
a single strand copy of DnAmessenger RNA
describe the process of transcription
1) In the nucleus DNA around gene unzips2) both strands are separated3) one strand acts as a template and complimentary base pairings attach to the strand being copied4) strand of mRNA detached itself from DNA template5) DNA zips back up6) mRNA moves out of nucleus to ribosomes in cytoplasm
which base is not present in mRNA, and so what other base is created?
no thymine, so uracil binds with adenine
why is mRNA produced?
as DNA is too large to leave the nucleus
what is the purpose of the process named ‘translation’?
making new proteins
what determines the type of protein made?
the order of nucleotides/animo acids
describe the process of translation
1) ribosomes read nucleotides on mRNA in codons/ base triplets (which codes for a specific animo acid)2) adds the corresponding animo acid3) continues to read triplet code and adds more and more animo acids4) animo acids join together in a chain, and fold (protein)
what determines how a protein will fold?
the sequence of animo acids
define an enzyme
a biological catalyst (can repeatedly be used for same reaction, asthey are not used up)
describe two uses of enzymes
build larger molecules from smaller ones- break down larger molecules to smaller ones
define an active site
the area where molecules of other substances bind to the enzyme
what does it mean when an enzyme is highly specific?
it can only bind to one type of substrate molecule (active site is a specific shape)
describe the lock & key hypothesis
the idea that only one key can unlock a lock.lock is enzyme, key is substrate(CHECK WHETHER YOU KNOW WHICH ONE IS WHICH)
what factors affect enzymes-catalysed reactions?(explain all in your head summarised)
temperaturepHamount of substrateamount of enzymes
what happens to enzymes when temperatures become too high?
they begin to unravel (active site changes, cannot be used any more)DENATURE *