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M1 Exam 1, MBC/MCB
Transcription, Translation, Regulation of Expression, Protein Maturation
220
Medical
Graduate
09/12/2008

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Term
True or False: Enzymes cause reactions that would not otherwise have taken place?
Definition
False. Enzymes catalyze reactions (i.e. make them run faster) that would occur otherwise, though not always in a physiologically available timeframe.
Term
Define catabolism.
Definition
Catabolism is the degradation and conversion of ingested food and/or stored fuel into energy (produces energy to be used).
Term
Define anabolism.
Definition
Anabolism is the energy-requiring biosynthesis of large molecules (energy is used).
Term
What differentiates a prokaryote from a eukaryote?
Definition
The presence of a nucleus.
Term
What is the function of the nuclear envelope?
Definition
The nuclear envelope separates the contents of the nucleus from the cytoplasm and provides the structural framework of the nucleus.
Term
What is the structure of the nuclear envelope?
Definition
Two nuclear membranes, an underlying nuclear lamina, and nuclear pore complexes
Term
What structures create the perinuclear space?
Definition
The inner and outer nuclear membranes
Term
The endoplasmic reticulum of a cell is contiguous with what other structure?
Definition
The nucleus (specifically the outer membrane)
Term
True or False: Nuclear pore complexes are distributed equally across the nuclear membrane.
Definition
False. The nuclear pore complexes are not distributed evenly and may tend to cluster in some locations.
Term
What structure underlies the inner nuclear membrane and provides structural support?
Definition
A fibrous protein mesh called the nuclear lamina
Term
What is the nuclear lamina composed of?
Definition
60-80 kD fibrous proteins (lamins) which associate with one another to form higher-order structures
Term
Three genes (A,B,C) code for the seven proteins making up the nuclear lamina. How does this happen?
Definition
Alternative splicing
Term
True or False: Chromatin may bind the nuclear lamina using specific, conserved Lamina Binding Sequences, or LBSs.
Definition
False. Chromatin may be bound to the nuclear lamina by its centromeres and telomeres.
Term
How do individual lamin proteins associate to form the nuclear lamina?
Definition
First, the lamin polypeptides dimerize with one another. Head-to-tail association of these dimers ensues, followed by side-by-side assocation to form the higher-order structure.
Term
What mediates the attachment of the nuclear lamina to the inner nuclear envelope?
Definition
Emerin and LBR (Lamin B Receptor)
Term
How do small polar molecules, ions, and macromolecules travel between the nucleus and cytoplasm?
Definition
Nuclear pore complexes
Term
Name the two mechanisms by which molecules may travel through the nuclear pore complexes.
Definition
Passive diffusion and Energy-dependent transport
Term
Describe the structure of the nuclear pore complex.
Definition
Eightfold symmetry organized around a large central channel, spoke-ring assembly with cytoplasmic filaments and a nuclear basket
Term
You are told that a protein has a NLS. What does this mean?
Definition
Nuclear Localization Sequence (Signal), amino acid sequence that is recognized by transport receptors so that a protein may be transported through the nuclear pore complex
Term
You believe that an isolated protein may have a NLS that is divided into two separate amino acid sequences. Is this possible?
Definition
Yes, some transport receptors recognize a single unified NLS sequence while others may recognize two sequence subunits
Term
What are nuclear transport receptors?
Definition
Proteins that recognize nuclear localization signals (NLS) and mediate transport across the nuclear envelope
Term
What are karyopherins?
Definition
Class of nuclear transport molecules (include importin, exportin)
Term
True or false: Importins transport macromolecules to the nucleus from the cytoplasm.
Definition
TRUE
Term
True or false: Exportins themselves must be phosphorylated in order to return to the nucleus from the cytoplasm.
Definition
FALSE
Term
RAN, when bound to GDP or GTP, may assist in the transport of macromolecules through what membrane?
Definition
Nuclear envelope
Term
True or False: Import of a protein into the nucleus begins when an Importin binds the NES of a cargo protein in the cytoplasm.
Definition
False. …Importin binds the NLS of a cargo protein…
Term
The NLS of NF-?B may be hidden by I?B. What would the phosphorylation of I?B result in?
Definition
Exposure of the NLS of NF-?B and subsequent transport of the transcription factor into the nucleus
Term
How are RNAs typically transported across the nuclear envelope?
Definition
As ribonucleoprotein complexes, or RNPs
Term
True or False: Genetic material within the nucleus is organized and localized into functional processing domains.
Definition
TRUE
Term
What is the difference between heterochromatin and euchromatin?
Definition
Heterochromatin is condensed, transcriptionally inactive chromatin, while euchromatin is decondensed and transcriptionally active.
Term
Define ARS, in a genetic context
Definition
Autonomously Regulating Sequence; consensus sequence generally functioning as an origin of replication
Term
True or False: Nuclear speckles are visible clusters of pore complexes in the nuclear membrane.
Definition
False. Nuclear speckles are areas in the nucleus in which mRNA splicing machinery are concentrated.
Term
Where does rRNA transcription and portions of ribosome assembly traditionally occur?
Definition
Nucleolus
Term
True or False: In oocytes, the rRNA genes are dampened to support the synthesis of large numbers of ribosomes required for development.
Definition
False. The rRNA genes are amplified
Term
True or False: All cells contain multiple copies of the rRNA genes. Why or why not?
Definition
True. Large numbers of rRNA molecules are usually needed.
Term
The fibrillar center, dense fibrillar component, and granular component regions make up what structure?
Definition
Nucleoli
Term
Morphologically, the nucleoli consist of three distinguishable regions. What are they?
Definition
Fibrillar center, Dense fibrillar component, and granular component
Term
What are nucleolar organizating regions?
Definition
Where nucleoli become associated with the chromosomal regions that contain the 5.8S, 18S, and 28S rRNA genes.
Term
True or False: Each nucleolar organizing region contains a cluster of tandemly repeated rRNA genes separated by nontranscribed spacer DNA.
Definition
TRUE
Term
In higher eukaryotes, the primary transcript of the rRNA genes is the large 45S pre-rRNA, which contains…
Definition
…the 18S, 5.8S, and 28S rRNAs, along with nontranscribed spacer regions.
Term
What are snoRNAs and what are their functions?
Definition
Small nucleolar RNAs, they are complexed with proteins and function in pre-rRNA processing
Term
pre-rRNA processing involves a substantial amount of base modification. What does this result from?
Definition
Methylation of bases and ribose residues, along with uridine's conversion into pseudouridine
Term
True or False: Most snoRNAs function in rRNA synthesis by directing specific base modifications such as ribose methylation and pseudouridine formation.
Definition
TRUE
Term
The final stage of ribosome maturation follows the export of pre-ribosomal particles to the cytoplasm, forming which subunits of the eukaryotic ribosome?
Definition
40S and 60S
Term
Which two nucleobases are classified as purines?
Definition
Adenine and Guanine
Term
Which two nucleobases are classified as pyrimidines?
Definition
Cytosime and Thymine (Uracil)
Term
True or False: Phosphodiester linkages, such as those in DNA, are fairly unstable and have a relatively short half-life.
Definition
False. They have a very long half-life
Term
Contrast exonucleases and endonucleases.
Definition
Exonucleases remove nucleotide residues from one end of a polynucleotide, while endonucleases hydrolyze interior phosphodiester bonds.
Term
Name three stabilizing factors in duplex DNA
Definition
Stacking interactions (pi-bonds), Hydrophobic effect (bases in contact, phosphates outside), and Hydrogen bonding (specificity, stability)
Term
Which DNA sequence is more thermodynamically stable: ATTAGTCATC or CCGGATTCGC. Why?
Definition
The latter, CCGGATTCGC; three (G-C) versus two (A-T) hydrogen bonds per pair increase stability
Term
What are the three main families of DNA conformation?
Definition
A (righthand, shorter/fatter), B (righthand, thinner/longer), Z (lefthand, with zig-zag backbone)
Term
What are telomeres and what is their function?
Definition
DNA and protein at end of a chromosome; stabilize and protect the chromosome
Term
How are t-loops formed?
Definition
Through 3' single-strand invasion of the double helix
Term
What is HPFH?
Definition
Hereditary Persistence of Fetal Hemoglobin; production of fetal hemoglobin continues into adulthood
Term
What enzymes function in reducing torsional strain of DNA during synthesis and transcription?
Definition
Topoisomerases
Term
What is a nucleosome?
Definition
Fundamental unit of chromatin; two copies each of H2A, H2B, H3, H4 and their accompanying DNA
Term
What is a DNA vaccine and how might it prove useful?
Definition
Typically a bacterial plasmid engineered to include the sequence of an antigenic protein from a pathogen; may be safely expressed and recognized by the immune system
Term
What is the term for the mode of replication which DNA synthesis utilizes?
Definition
Semi-conservative
Term
What is the primary function of the eukaryotic enzyme Pol ?/primase?
Definition
RNA priming + a little DNA, synthesis of initial part of Okazaki fragments
Term
What are the primary functions of Pol ??
Definition
Synthesis of leading strand and most of Okazaki fragments, and gap filling after primer removal
Term
What are SSBs and what is their function?
Definition
Single-stranded DNA-binding proteins, keep ssDNA apart following helicase's unzipping
Term
What are the two modes of therapeutically targeting bacterial topoisomerases and what are some examples of medications utilizing each?
Definition
I. Topoisomers inhibitors, coumermycin A1 and novobiocin, prevent catalytic activity. II. Topoisomerase poisons, Nalidixic acid and Ciproflaxacin, freeze covalent DNA-protein links, leading to dsBreaks
Term
What are the primary steps in DNA synthesis?
Definition
1)Replication Protein A (RPA), 2)Pol?, 3)PCNA clamp, 4)Pol?, 5)Rnase, 6)DNA ligase
Term
How is the end of the DNA strand synthesized?
Definition
Telomerase; has short RNA strand as integral part, serving as template for 6-nt telomere repeat sequence
Term
How is Cisplatin an effective anti-cancer agent?
Definition
Bonds with two bases, crosslinking DNA
Term
Describe xeroderma pigmentosum (XP)
Definition
Caused by defective DNA repair, photosensitive and susceptible to skin cancers
Term
How is the parental strand recognized during mismatch repair?
Definition
MutS and MutL bind mismatch, MutH binds at HEMIMETHYLATED site, unmethylated strand is nicked and excised
Term
A defect in mismatch repair causes hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). How does this occur?
Definition
With one inactive, dysfunctional allele (by inheritance), a mutation is more likely to have a significant affect if it occurs in the remaining active allele.
Term
What is the primary characteristic of some DNA polymerases that are important in translesion repair?
Definition
Low specificity for a short period; Just get by
Term
What two proteins are integral to double-strand break repair?
Definition
Ku and DNA-dependent protein kinase
Term
What are the complexes between eukaryotic DNA and protein called?
Definition
Chromatin
Term
True or False: Histones have a high proportion of acidic amino acids.
Definition
False. High proportion of the basic amino acids, arginine and lysine, that bind to the negatively charged DNA molecule
Term
Approximately how many base pairs does a nucleosome core particle contain?
Definition
145
Term
How many subunits comprise a nucleosome core particle?
Definition
Eight; it is an octamer
Term
What is the difference between a nucleosome and a chromatosome?
Definition
Nucleosome is 2(H2A,H2B,H3,H4+DNA) while Chromatosome is a Nucleosome+H1 linker histone (166 bp)
Term
How many DNA double helix molecules are in an average chromosome?
Definition
Always one (1)
Term
During interphase, nucleosomes of euchromatin are generally packed into fibers how small in diameter?
Definition
30 nm
Term
What is the general structure of metaphase chromosomes?
Definition
Large loops attached to a protein scaffold
Term
What is the centromere of a chromosome?
Definition
Specialized region of the chromosome that plays a critical role in ensuring the correct distribution of duplicated chromosomes to daughter cells during mitosis
Term
What is the kinetochore?
Definition
Site of spindle fiber attachment to the centromere
Term
True or False: Plasmids with functional centromere sequences may segregate equally, just like chromosomes.
Definition
TRUE
Term
How might missegregation of a plasmid occur?
Definition
Absence of a centromeric sequence
Term
What is telomerase?
Definition
Enzyme utilizing reverse transcriptase activity to replicate telomeric DNA sequences
Term
What would a FISH show you (besides his scales)?
Definition
Fluorescence in situ hybridization; Used to identify specific gene sites (which chromosome, which arm)
Term
How large is the human genome approximately?
Definition
3 x 10^6 kb
Term
Approximately how many genes are in the human genome?
Definition
20-25,000
Term
What is bioinformatics?
Definition
Interface of biology and computer science; focused on computational methods of analysis and extraction of useful information from genomic sequence
Term
What does systems biology seek to achieve?
Definition
A quantitative understanding of the integrated dynamic behavior of complex biological systems and processes
Term
What information does gene expression profiling offer?
Definition
Expression level of thousands of genes
Term
How might large-scale screening based on small interfering RNA be used to analyze gene function?
Definition
In RNAi screens, dsRNA may be used to induce degradation of the homologous mRNAs in cells
Term
How different are the genomes of two unrelated people on average?
Definition
SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in approximately one of every thousand bases
Term
True or False: RNA's 3'-OH group differentiates it from DNA.
Definition
False. RNA's 2'-OH group is the differentiating factor
Term
True or False: Unlike mRNA, tRNA, and snoRNA, rRNA has a specific cloverleaf tertiary structure.
Definition
False. tRNA has a cloverleaf tertiary structure
Term
How is mRNA capped during processing and maturation?
Definition
7-methylguanosine is inverted, and 5'-phosphate to 5'-phosphate link is formed
Term
True or False: RNA is capable of self-cleaving.
Definition
TRUE
Term
What is the most abundant form of RNA? Approximately what percent of total RNA is this form?
Definition
rRNA, 80%
Term
How does erythromycin serve as an anti-bacterial?
Definition
By targeting the ribosome
Term
The ribosome is a ribozyme. What does this mean?
Definition
The ribosome catalytic center has no protein
Term
What are RNA aptamers? Give one example of their use discussed in lecture.
Definition
Sequences of RNA selected for tight binding to a variety of substances; may be used to purify theophylline out of caffeine
Term
Briefly describe how RNAi works.
Definition
miRNA are processed from primary transcripts (pri-miRNA); mature miRNA molecules are partially complementary to mRNA molecules and downregulate gene expression
Term
HIV is a retrovirus, while HCV is a positive strand RNA virus. What's the difference?
Definition
HIV: RNA converted to DNA and integrated into host genome - HCV: make dsRNA, then make new copies of positive strand for packaging
Term
What are the five phases of the cell cycle, and what is the primary activity within each?
Definition
G1:metabolism, S:DNA synthesis, G2:proteins made for mitosis, M:cell division, G0: outside of cycle
Term
Cell division requires a G2 amount of DNA. Therefore mitosis requires (?)C DNA.
Definition
4C
Term
What was Sendai virus used for in studying cellular division?
Definition
Used to fuse cells in different stages of the cell cycle
Term
What two proteins activate condensins in a mitotic cell?
Definition
Cdk1 and Cyclin B
Term
What do Cyclin dependent protein kinases do?
Definition
Regulate processes of cell division; controlled by growth factors
Term
Four drugs inhibit the cell cycle by interfering with the spindle assembly. What are these?
Definition
Colchicine (blocks at metaphase), Vincristin-vinblastine (inhibit spindle formation), and Paclitaxel (prevents disassembly of mitotic spindle)
Term
Where and when does 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (5FU) stop the cell cycle?
Definition
Stalls at the G1 checkpoint, inhibits DNA synthesis
Term
At what point in the cell cycle does Bleomycin/Etoposide have its effect?
Definition
At the G2 checkpoint
Term
Name the two types of continuously replicating cells.
Definition
VIM (Vegetative intermitotic), such as stem, basal/skin, intestines); and DIM (Differentiating intermitotic), such as in stratum spinosum
Term
What is one example discussed in class of an occasional replicator?
Definition
RPM (Reverting postmitotic), fibroblasts, liver and smooth muscle cells, astrocytes
Term
Name three times of FPM cells.
Definition
Fixed postmitotic/non-replicators; surface of skin, neurons, skeletal and cardiac muscle
Term
Describe nuclear changes present at the beginning of cell division.
Definition
Cdk1 activated by Cyclin B; leads to Chromosome condensation, nucleolus disappears; breakdown of nuclear envelope, activated Cdk1 phosphorylates lamins
Term
Name two nuclear changes that occur at the end of divison and describe what happens to Cdk1.
Definition
Nuclear envelope reforms, chromosome decondenses; Cdk1 is inactivated via ubiquitination and Cyclin B degradation
Term
How does Cdk1 function in breaking down the nuclear envelope?
Definition
Binds to lamin dimer heads and tails, preventing alignment and increasing instability of nuclear lamina
Term
What is the difference between cohesins and condensins?
Definition
Cohesins bind during S phase, condensins are activated by Cdk1 and replace cohesin (except at centromere), resulting in metaphasic contraction
Term
The cytokinetic contractile ring is comprised of what proteins?
Definition
Actin and Myosin II
Term
What are the stages of prophase I of Meiosis and how are they characterized?
Definition
Leptotene (condensation), Zygotene (pairing), Pachytene (recombination,tetrads), Diplotene (chiasmata), and Diakinesis (terminalization)
Term
The primary oocyte is arrested in what special stage of diplotene?
Definition
Dictyotene
Term
At prophase II of Meiosis, each cell has (?)C,(?)n DNA.
Definition
2C, 1n
Term
At the conclusion of Meisosis II, each product has (?)C,(?)n DNA.
Definition
1C, 1n
Term
What are some clinical manifestations of meiotic nondisjunction?
Definition
Klinefelter's syndrome (XXY), Down's syndrome (trisomy 21), Turner's syndrome (XO)
Term
What is the primary difference between DNA and RNA?
Definition
RNA has 2'-OH group, RNA has uracil rather than thymine
Term
True or False: RNA is classically thought of as a single stranded molecule. This is potentially misleading.
Definition
True. RNA is, truly, a single stranded molecule, but in such cases as the 5S ribosome, it seems, by all appearances, to be double stranded
Term
What are the three primary families of RNA and what are their respective functions?
Definition
messenger (mRNA), produced as transcription, codes for proteins; transfer (tRNA), used during translation, recognizes aa; ribosome (rRNA), used during translation, part of ribosome
Term
How is positive and negative supercoiling accomodated during transcription?
Definition
Topoisomerases
Term
True or False: The RNA transcript is synthesized off the coding strand and is identical to the complementary DNA strand.
Definition
False. …synthesized off the complementary template strand and is identical to the coding DNA strand.
Term
E. coli RNApol holoenzyme consists of 6 subunits. What are they and and list their respective functions.
Definition
2(?) binds UP element, ?/?' form active site for RNA synthesis, ? functions in promoter recognition and is not present during elongation, and ? subunit function is unknown
Term
Name two classic prokaryotic promoter sequences and their locations.
Definition
CAT (GC Rich) @ -35, and TATA @ -10
Term
Where is the UP generally found?
Definition
Upstream promoter, -60 - -40
Term
What subunit of the holoenzyme is primary responsible for binding the UP?
Definition
?
Term
What subunit of the holoenzyme is primary responsible for binding the -10 and -35 promoter elements?
Definition
?
Term
Briefly describe prokaryotic transcription.
Definition
1)Pol binds nonspecifically to DNA and migrates, 2)? subunit bind promoter elements, 3)Pol unwinds DNA and initiates TXN, 4)? released and core enzyme elongates mRNA chain
Term
How does Rho-independent transcription termination occur?
Definition
GC-rich stem-loop (strong) forms, pulling a relatively weak Uracil-rich region away from the polymerase
Term
How does Rho-dependent transcription termination occur?
Definition
A stem-loop is formed, allowing rho to catch up to the polymerase, knocking it off
Term
What are the three Eukaryotic RNA polymerases and what does each primarily synthesize?
Definition
Pol I(pre-rRNA: precursor for 18S, 5.8S, and 28S RNA); Pol II(mRNA and some specialized RNAs); Pol III(tRNA, 5S RNA, and other small, specialized RNAs)
Term
At what location is the TATA box in eukaryotes?
Definition
-30
Term
Four drugs were mentioned in lecture that inhibit transcription. What are these and how do they carry out their function?
Definition
Actinomycin D & Acridine (inhibig RNA elongation by intercalating into DNA); Rifampicin (bind ? subunit of bacterial polymerase); ?-amanitin (blocks Pol II and III at high doses)
Term
True or False: Eukaryotes process their RNA while prokaryotes do not.
Definition
False. Many bacterial and almost all eukaryotic mRNAs are processed; eukaryotic mRNA and tRNA from bacteria and eukaryotes are the most heavily processed.
Term
What are two other names for the primary RNA transcript?
Definition
hnRNA (heteronuclear RNA) or pre-mRNA
Term
There are two types of self-splicing introns. Describe them.
Definition
Group I, nuclear, mitochondrial, and chloroplast genes coding for rRNA, mRNA and tRNA; Group II, mitochondrial and chloroplast genes in fungi, algae, and plants
Term
Non self-splicing introns are found…
Definition
…in most mRNA primary transcripts (and require snRNPs, RNA+protein) and some tRNAs (require ATP an an endonuclease)
Term
Generally, describe the process of spliceosome-based non self-splicing.
Definition
1)U1 bind consensus sequence, 2)U2,4,5,6, come in, 3)U5 binds 3' splice, 4)excision of the intron and ligation of the exons together
Term
How might a mutation in a)a promoter sequence, b)cap site, c)branch point, and d)intron/exon boundary affect the expression of a gene?
Definition
a)no transcription, b)increased degradation, c/d) affect splicing
Term
mRNA is always read in what direction?
Definition
5' to 3'
Term
What is the nucleotide sequence coding for START?
Definition
Methionine, AUG
Term
What three codons code for STOP?
Definition
UGA, UAA, UAG
Term
What is the primary implication of Crick's Wobble Hypothesis?
Definition
The first two bases of a codon always form strong Watson-Crick pairs, but the last one is less strict; some tRNAs can recognize more than one codon
Term
Protein synthesis accounts for __% of the chemical energy used by a cell for all biosynthetic reactions.
Definition
90
Term
What are the five general stages of protein synthesis?
Definition
1)aa activation/tRNA charging, 2)Initiation of translation, 3)Elongation of peptide chain, 4)Termination and ribosomal release, 5)Folding and posttranslational processing
Term
How are tRNAs charged?
Definition
Aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetases attach the correct amino acid; transfer amino acid to 3' end of tRNA
Term
Methionine has one codon, AUG. How many tRNAs for methionine do eukaryotes have?
Definition
Like all other organisms, two: one used exclusively for initiation, the other for internal methionine residues.
Term
Bacteria, mitochondria, and chloroplasts initiation translation with a special initiating tRNA for methionine. What is it called?
Definition
N-formylmethionine-tRNA (fMet)
Term
How is prokaryotic translation initiated?
Definition
Pairing of the 16S rRNA with the Shine-Delgarno sequence
Term
How is the eukaryotic initiation complex formed?
Definition
1) 5' and 3' ends linked by protein complex, 2) mRNA scanned for first AUG in Kozak context, 3) this binds 40S ribosomal subunit
Term
What enzymes catalyze the formation of the bond between amino acids while they are bound to their respective tRNAs?
Definition
Peptidyl transferase
Term
Uncharged tRNAs leave from which site of the ribosome?
Definition
E
Term
How is protein synthesis terminated?
Definition
RF1 or RF2 recognizes termination codon in A site, causes peptidyl transferase to transfer polypeptide to water molecule, and complenents dissociate
Term
Eight compounds were mentioned that affect translation. What were these and what processes to they affect?
Definition
Streptomycin, Cycloheximide (initiation, elongation); neomycins (translation); tetracyclines (aminoacyl tRNA binding); puromycin (peptide transfer); erythromycin, fusidic acid (translocation, ricin (multiple)
Term
True or False: Eukaryotic transcription and translation is more efficient than that of prokaryotes because they occur almost simultaneously in the former.
Definition
False. Transcription and translation are separated in eukaryotes as a result of the nuclear membrane; they are coupled in prokaryotes (however efficiency is a rather subjective term)
Term
What is a promoter?
Definition
Region of DNA bound by RNA polymerase, signalling for the start of transcription
Term
True or False: The UP is only present in some genes.
Definition
True. When present, the UP strongly upregulates transcription.
Term
True or False: The promoter regulates the basal rate of transcription.
Definition
TRUE
Term
What is another word for housekeeping genes?
Definition
Constitutive, expressed at relatively uniform level
Term
What are three factors having roles in regulated gene expression in bacteria?
Definition
Specialty factors (alter specificity of RNApol for promoter); repressors (impede RNApol access to promoter); activators (enhance interaction of RNApol with the promoter)
Term
True or False: Most eukaryotic genes are regulated in units called operons.
Definition
False. Most prokaryotic genes…
Term
What is another adjective for the genes coded for by an operon? They are said to be…
Definition
Polycistronic
Term
True or False: A single Shine-Delgarno sequence initiates translation of multiple polycistronic genes.
Definition
False. Each gene has its own SD sequence.
Term
What is the primary benefit of the operon system?
Definition
Allows coordinated regulation of gene involved in related processes
Term
Most signal-specific DNA binding proteins make contact with the ______ groove.
Definition
Major
Term
Describe the structure of the lac repressor.
Definition
Tetramer with four helix-turn-helix DNA binding motifs
Term
What is the significance of palindromes in the genetic code?
Definition
Usually DNA binding site for regulatory proteins; multiple subunits bind cooperatively
Term
True or False: Lac Repressor negatively regulates the lac operon; cAMP Receptor Protein negatively regulates the lac operon.
Definition
False. …cAMP Receptor Protein positively regulates the lac operon.
Term
CRP is to glucose as LacI is to…
Definition
Lactose
Term
Describe the lac operon in its repressed state (no lactose present).
Definition
Lac repressor expressed from its own promoter, LacR binds to O1, blocking access of RNA pol to promoter (repressed transcription)
Term
Describe the induced state of the lac operon (lactose present).
Definition
Lactose is imported by glactoside permease and converted to allolactose by ?-galactosidase; allolactose bind lacR, dissociating from operator; RNA pol transcribes the gene
Term
Describe how CRP regulates the lac operon.
Definition
As glucose levels fall, cAMP levels rise and more cAMP binds CRP. CAMP binding to CRP promotes binding of CRP to CRP site, facilitating RNApol binding
Term
How does the trp operon work at low levels tryptophan?
Definition
1)During synthesis, ribosome pauses at two trp codons (low levels), 2)ribosome occupies sequence 1, so 2 and 3 base pair, 3)transcription proceeds normally
Term
How does the trp operon attenuate tryptophan production?
Definition
1)During synthesis, ribosome doesn't pause at two trp codons (high levels), 2)ribosome occupies sequence 2, so 3 and 4 base pair, 4)attenuator loop halts translation
Term
List four potential sites of eukaryotic gene regulation.
Definition
Transcription, gene amplification, gene rearrangement, RNA processing, alternate mRNA splicing, transport of mRNA from nucleus to cytoplasm, mRNA stability (half-life)
Term
True or False: In eukaryotes, enhancers are typically 10 to 40 bp upstream of the initiation site.
Definition
False. Enhancers can be anywhere, even with other genes between it and its target gene.
Term
Why would an electrophoretic-mobility shift assay prove useful in proteomics?
Definition
Elucidates the nature of specific DNA|Protein interactions.
Term
True or False: Transcription factors tend to be rather small and contain some redundancy.
Definition
TRUE
Term
What are the four families of DNA-binding domains?
Definition
Zinc fingers, Helix-turn-helix (HTH), Leucine zipper, and Helix-loop-helix (HLH)
Term
How is ?-thalassemia differentiated based upon the number of mutations?
Definition
One gene: silent carrier, no symptom; Two: ?-thal minor; Three: anemia or hemoglobin H disease; Four: ?-thalassemia major, perinatal death
Term
What role does histone acetylation play in the formation of heterochromatin and euchromatin?
Definition
Acetylation leads to decondensed, active chromatin; deacetylation leads to condensed, inactive chromatin
Term
How does Angelman's Syndrome arise from the loss of UBE3A expression?
Definition
Maternal-only expressed allele (UBE3A) is methylated, so no expression; mental retardation is symptomatic
Term
Why are Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays important to genomics?
Definition
Allow identification of regions of genomic DNA bound by a specific protein.
Term
True or False: A transcription factor (activator) can be made from the same mRNA transcript as a repressor.
Definition
TRUE
Term
How is the transferrin receptor mRNA protected when presented with low levels of iron?
Definition
In scarce iron conditions, Iron Responsive Element Binding protein (IRE-BP) blocks IRE, the site of high nucleolytic cleavage
Term
Trans-acting factors (proteins) may bind what cis-acting regulatory DNA sequences?
Definition
Promoter, Enhancers, UAS, Hormone response elements
Term
True or False: While the genetic code is generally read, transcribed, and translated 5' to 3' Enhancers may only function when in a 3' to 5' orientation.
Definition
False. Enhancers can be 5'-3', 3'-5; they are position-and orientation-independent.
Term
MyoD is what type of regulatory element?
Definition
Tissue specific (muscle)
Term
What roles do SXL and U2AF play in Drosophila sex determination.
Definition
Sex determined by alternative splicing; If SXL is blocking access to premature stop codon, female phenotype results.Truncated, nonfunctional protein results in male phenotype.
Term
You have just finished analyzing a strand of DNA; the sequence is AGGTCAAGGTTCA. What could you assume about this sequence?
Definition
Most likely a general hormone receptor consensus sequence (note the AGGTCA and AGGTNCA sequences)
Term
How do glucocorticoids outside the cell affect transcription?
Definition
Pass through cell membrane and bind receptor, both of which are taken into the nucleus to act as transcription factors.
Term
How might alternative polyadenylation sites play a role in gene regulation and expression?
Definition
Cleavage and polyadenylation at specific sites may result in a nonfunctional protein.
Term
How is it that the apoB gene is able to code for the proteins apoB 100 and apoB 48, depending upon where it is transcribed?
Definition
RNA editing (for example, apoB 48 is formed as a result of a premature stop codon in the intestine)
Term
What happens to transferrin receptor mRNA during iron deficiency?
Definition
An Iron response element binding protein (IRE-BP) blocks nucleolytic activity targeted to the IRE site.
Term
What is another name for The Sanger Method and what is it used for?
Definition
Dideoxy DNA sequences; synthesis of a new strand complementary to one analyzed (determines sequence)
Term
What differentiates a deoxyribonucleoside from a dideoxyribonucleoside?
Definition
Dideoxy- denotes that the 3' OH has been replaced with an H group
Term
Why aren't typical dNTPs used in the Sanger method of DNA sequencing?
Definition
ddNTP lacks the 3' OH necessary for elongation, so synthesis is halted; this allows strands of varying lengths to be separated
Term
True or False: Only ddNTPs are used in dideoxy DNA sequencing.
Definition
dNTPs are also added; otherwise any strand would be immediately terminated
Term
There are three types of restriction endonucleases. Define them.
Definition
Type I(cleave at random site >1kb from recog. site, require ATP); II(cleave within recog. site, do not require ATP, most require divalent cation); III(cleave at random site ~25 bp from recog. site, require ATP)
Term
What does a restriction endonuclease do?
Definition
Recognize and cleave DNA at specific recognition site
Term
BamHI is a RE that creates sticky ends while EcoRV creates blunt ends. What's the difference?
Definition
Sticky ends are short single strand sequences capable of base pairing with another such sequence; blunt ends are double stranded breaks
Term
True or False: Blunt ends ligate with high efficiency.
Definition
False. They ligate correctly with low efficiency.
Term
pBR322, a cloning vector, has two sequences for antibiotic resistance. What are these used for?
Definition
They are markers used in selecting those colonies which have successfully taken up the targeted plasmid
Term
Following bacterial transformation with a recombinant pUC 18 plasmid, your resultant colonies are all blue. Do you celebrate or start over?
Definition
Start over. Blue indicates that those colonies have the pUC18 plasmid without the recombinant DNA.
Term
As an amazing microbiologist, you isolate 100 E. coli cells and shake them up with bacteriophage. On average, how many will get the vector?
Definition
Almost all. Phage-based vector transformation has close to 100% efficiency
Term
What does BAC stand for?
Definition
Bacterial Artificial Chromosome
Term
What is the purpose of the CEN sequence in a Yeast Artificial Chromosome?
Definition
Centromere. When linearized and inserted into yeast, allows for propagation/division
Term
Why does a YAC generally have two selectable markers?
Definition
One for bacteria, one for yeast
Term
A Yeast Artifical Chromosome has two TEL sequences. How would you remove the intervening sequence and why would you do so?
Definition
Restriction Endonucleases would be used to remove the sequence, linearizing the chromosome
Term
How is the dsDNA denatured in PCR?
Definition
Heat
Term
Why is Taq polymerase used in PCR?
Definition
Isolated from Yellowstone hot spring bacteria, Taq is heat-stable
Term
You have successfully completed a PCR cloning from a single dsDNA strand. How many exact duplicates of this dsDNA do you have?
Definition
None. You have the two original single strands (denatured from the double strand).
Term
While using hybridization to identify a clone with a DNA segment, you treat your nitrocellulose with alkali. Why
Definition
It denatures the dsDNA, allowing the single strands to bind the paper.
Term
When generating a DNA probe from the amino acid sequence of a targeted protein, what is the term for the most efficient sequence used?
Definition
Region of minimal degeneracy (that region requiring the fewest number of different probes
Term
When building an expression vector, why might you incorporate the lac promoter and operator?
Definition
So that you my activate the gene in bacteria
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