BCH3031 Final: Sem 1_BCH3031 Summary Notes
25 May 2018
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BCH-3031 NOTES
Semester 1
Exam Styles (3 hours)
• 55%
• Theory Exam:
o 6 sections (1 from each lecturer) (30 mins)
! 2 question options – answer 1 short essay response from each
section
UNIT Objectives
• Describe the structure, organisation and functional rearrangement of
eukaryotic genomes
• Explain the mechanism of DNA replication in eukaryotic cells
• Illustrate how gene expression is regulated in eukaryotes and how studies of
DNA, RNA and protein levels contribute to our understanding of these
processes;
• Discuss how cell and animal models are used to build our understanding of
disease processes and to develop potential therapies
• Describe how the application of genomic and other technologies is used to
further our understanding of genomes and the treatment of disease
Lee Wong
Lecture 2 – Genome Structure: Organisation of Eukaryote Genome
Packing of DNA into chromatin " into chromosome
• What is a genome?
o The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or
organism
• What is in a genome?
o Haploid set of chromosomes in a gamete or microorganism, or in each
cell of a multicellular organism
• What is epigenetics?
o The study of changes in an organism caused by modification of gene
expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself
! Active vs. inactive genes
! Change in phenotype w/o change in genotype
! Can be influenced by age, environment/lifestyle
• Intergenic DNA
o Non-coding DNA found between genes
Genetic Information in DNA Molecule
• DNA – where genetic information is found
o Double helix structure formed from 2
complementary strands of nucleotides held
together by hydrogen bonds between GC and
AT base pairs
• Nucleus – storage site
o DNA stored within nucleus, associated with
proteins
o RNA and chromatin present
o Nuclear membranes connected by nuclear
pores
o Nuclear lamina - a network of filaments that
provide mechanical support
• Function of Chromosomal DNA
o Genomes of eukaryotes are divided up into chromosomes
o Each chromosome has unique composition of DNA sequences –
specific to cel land tissue type
o Chromosome painting by DNA hybridization with specific DNA
probes conjugated with combination of fluorescent dyes
