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DNA Quiz 4
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Diploid: | The presence of two complete sets of chromosomes in an organism’s cells, with each parent contributing a chromosome to each pair. |
| Genome: | The entire set of DNA instructions found in a cell |
| Haploid: | The presence of a single set of chromosomes in an organism’s cells |
| Mitochondria: | The circular chromosome found inside the cellular organelles. They are the site of the cell’s energy production and other metabolic functions |
| Nucleotide: | The basic building block of nucleic acids (RNA and DNA). A nucleotide consists of a sugar molecule (either ribose in RNA or deoxyribose in DNA) attached to a phosphate group and a nitrogen-containing base |
| Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) | is found within the mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles of cells |
| Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) structure Double-Stranded | Mitochondrial DNA consists of two complementary strands of nucleotides, similar to nuclear DNA. • These strands are named the heavy (H) strand and light (L) strand, based on their nucleotide composition |
| Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) structure Circular Shape: | Unlike the linear chromosomes found in the nucleus, mtDNA forms a closed-loop (circular) structure |
| Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) structure Compact Genome | The circular mtDNA has no introns (non-coding sequences), unlike nuclear DNA. • It efficiently codes for 37 essential genes with minimal "wasted" space |
| Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Size: | The human mitochondrial genome consists of approximately 16,600 base pairs. |
| Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) nature | Unlike nuclear DNA, which is diploid, mitochondrial DNA is haploid and maternally inherited. |
| Diploid vs Haploid differences locations: Diploid(nuclear DNA) | found in the nucleus of the cell |
| Diploid vs Haploid differences locations: Haploid (mt DNA) | found in the mitochondria |
| chromosome set Diploid (nuclear DNA) | paired linear chromosomes |
| chromosome set Haploid (mtDNA) | single circular DNA molecule |
| inherited Diploid(nuclear DNA) | from both parents one set from each |
| inherited Haploid (mt DNA) | maternally |
| # of copies per cell Diploid nuclear DNA | 2 copies (1 per homologous chromosome) |
| # of copies per cell haploid mtDNA | multiple copies in each mitochondria |
| genome size diploid nuclear DNA | 3.2 billion base pair |
| genome size haploid mtDNA | 16,600 base pairs |
| genes coded diploid nuclear DNA | 20,000 - 25,000 genes |
| genes coded haploid mtDNA | 37 genes |
| Function diploid nuclear DNA | codes for various cellular processes and organismal traits |
| Function haploid mtDNA | involved in energy production through oxidative phosphorylation |
| cell division type diploid nuclear DNA | replicated during nuclear division |
| cell division type haploid mtDNA | independent replication during cell division |
| Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) | Genetic Coding: It encodes 37 essential genes, including: • 13 genes for protein components of the electron transport chain • 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes • 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes |
| Transfer RNA (tRNA) function | • tRNA molecules act as adapters during protein synthesis. • They transport specific amino acids to the ribosome, where proteins are assembled. |
| Transfer RNA (tRNA) structure | Cloverleaf-shaped with three main parts: •Anticodon loop: Binds to a complementary codon on messenger RNA (mRNA). •Amino acid attachment site: Binds a specific amino acid corresponding to the anticodon |
| Transfer RNA (tRNA) key role | Ensures that the correct amino acid is added to the growing protein chain during translation |
| Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) function | rRNA forms the structural and functional core of ribosomes, which are the cellular machines responsible for protein synthesis |
| Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) structure | rRNA molecules combine with proteins to form the large and small subunits of ribosomes |
| Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) key role | Catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids. • Ensures proper alignment of mRNA and tRNA during translation |
| mtDNA unique features | • mtDNA mutations are associated with various metabolic disorders. • It plays a critical role in cellular respiration and energy production. • Used in ancestry tracing and forensic investigations due to its maternal inheritance pattern. |
| mtDNA Maternal Inheritance | No Discrimination within Maternal Lineage: mtDNA remains identical across individuals from the same maternal lineage. |
| Maternal Inheritance: | Maternal Inheritance: mtDNA is passed exclusively from the mother to offspring, making it a useful tool for tracing maternal ancestry. • Analyzing Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) helps confirm maternal inheritance patterns |
| Maternal Inheritance: Role During Fertilization: | sperm contributes only its nucleus, containing 23 chromosomes to the fertilized egg. Mitochondria of the sperm are located in the mitochondrial sheath. These sperm mitochondria are destroyed during fertilization, preventing paternal inheritance of mtDNA |
| advantages of mtDNA in forensics Effective in Degraded Samples: | mtDNA can still be analyzed when nuclear DNA is significantly degraded due to its higher stability. |
| advantages of mtDNA in forensics High Copy Number: | While each cell contains a single nucleus, it houses hundreds to thousands of copies of mtDNA, increasing the chances of successful DNA extraction |
| advantages of mtDNA in forensics Maternal Lineage Sampling: | If a direct reference sample is unavailable (e.g., from a deceased or missing person), mtDNA can be collected from any maternal relative for identification |
| Why is mtDNA Useful? High Capture Efficiency & Coverage | Abundant copies in each cell make mtDNA easier to analyze compared to nuclear DNA |
| Medical Applications | Investigating mitochondrial-related diseases and disorders involving cellular energy production |
| Evolutionary Insights | Understanding species evolution and ancestral relationships. |
| Research Applications: • Systematics & Evolutionary Biology: | Classifying organisms and tracing genetic relationships |
| Population Genetics & Conservation Biology: | Studying genetic diversity and preserving endangered species. |
| Human Genetics: | Exploring maternal ancestry and inheritance patterns. |
| Environmental Toxicology: | Assessing the impact of environmental exposure on mitochondrial health. |