Fall 2024 Semester Study Guide

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What is cell differentiation?

Back

Cell differentiation is the process by which cells become specialized to perform specific functions.

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What is a gene?

Back

A gene is a small section of DNA that codes for a protein.

Front

What happens during the process of differentiation?

Back

During differentiation, only specific sections of DNA are activated to determine the structure and functions of a body cell.

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What is a frameshift mutation?

Back

A frameshift mutation is a genetic mutation caused by the addition or deletion of nucleotides in a DNA sequence, which alters the reading frame.

Front

What are the types of mutations that can cause a frameshift?

Back

Addition and deletion mutations can cause a frameshift.

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What is a nonsense mutation?

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A nonsense mutation is a type of mutation that results in a premature stop codon, leading to a truncated protein.

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What is a missense mutation?

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A missense mutation is a type of mutation that results in a single amino acid change in the protein sequence.

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What is a silent mutation?

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A silent mutation is a mutation that does not change the amino acid sequence of a protein.

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What is the role of DNA in cell differentiation?

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DNA contains the instructions for building proteins, which determine the structure and function of cells.

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What is the significance of gene activation in differentiation?

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Gene activation in differentiation allows cells to express specific proteins that define their specialized functions.