Test Answers on Genetics Chapter 1 – Flashcards
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Genome
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the DNA found within all of our chromosomes
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Genetics
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branch of biology that deals with heredity and variation (root of natural diversity). Study of genes.
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Gene
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segment of DNA that produces a functional product, usually a polypeptide. The blueprint for traits.
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Large cellular molecules (4)
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Nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Form macromolecules composed of repeating units of smaller building blocks.
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What is the largest MACROMOLECULE in living cells?
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DNA
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What gives organization to the structure of chromosomes? (2 things)
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DNA + proteins
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Proteome
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all the proteins that a cell makes at a given time
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Enzymes
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accelerate chemical reactions (a category of proteins)
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2 Types of Enzymes
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Catabolic: help breakdown molecules or macromolecules into smaller units. Important in the utilization of energy Anabolic: help synthesis of mol. and macromol.
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DNA
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deoxyribonucleic acid, the genetic material 3 base sequences specifies one amino acid out of 20 possible choices
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Functional protein is made of what?
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one or more polypeptides. Functional proteins underlie cellular characteristics
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Gene Expression
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info in DNA is accessed to affect characteristics of cells and organisms in a stepwise process that includes transcription, translation, folding into a 3D structure, and the resulting production of proteins with specific structures and functions
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Norm of reaction
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the effects of environmental variation on an individual's traits
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Inheritance
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Genes are passed from parent to offspring in discrete units
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Vertical Transmission
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passing of traits from parent to offspring
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Horizontal Transmission
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Occurs between two non-related organisms (mating bridge -> passing of DNA)
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Diploid
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Organism that contains 2 copies of each chromosome, one from each parent (with exception of the sex chromosome). The two copies are HOMOLOGS of each other.
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Somatic cells
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all body cells except reproductive cells (contain 46 chromosomes)
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Gametes
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reproductive cells, have only half the number of chromosomes (24) as body cells because aren't diploid, they're HAPLOID. Note: the union of gametes during fertilization restores the diploid number of chromosomes.
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Biological Evolution
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The genetic makeup of a population can change from one generation to the next
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mutations
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random genetic changes that occasionally occur within an individual's genes and sometimes these changes lead to a modification of traits that promote reproductive success -> natural selection
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Model organisms
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organisms studied by many different researchers so they can compare results and determine scientific principles that apply broadly to other species (ex: E coli)
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Transmission Genetics
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examines the relationship between the transmission of genes from parent to offspring and the outcome of the offspring's traits. Pedigree analysis and genetic cross used.
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Genetic Cross
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Used frequently in transmission genetics, involves the breeding of two selected individuals and the subsequent analysis of their offspring to try to understand how traits are passed from parents to offspring
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Molecular Genetics
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the molecular features of DNA and how these features underlie the expression of genes.
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Loss-of-function mutation
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used by molecular geneticists to analyze the effects of gene mutations that eliminate the function of a gene. The resulting gene is called a loss-of-function allele. By studying the effects of these mutations, the role of the functional, non-mutant gene is revealed
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3 Sub-branches of Molecular Genetics
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Cytogenetics (study of chromosomes and chromatin makeup and effects via a microscope) Molecular (cutting apart and slicing DNA -> used of enzymes and biochemistry) Genomic (computers advancing -> capacity to store and analyze massive amounts of data. Very discovery based)
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Population Genetics
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Study of genetic variation and its role in evolution. Explains how the variation in characteristics observed amount the members of a species is natural. Develop mathematical theories to explain the prevalence of certain alleles within a population of individuals.
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Hypothesis Testing
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Also called the scientific method. Series of steps to reach verifiable conclusions
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Discovery based Testing
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collection and analysis of data without a preconceived hypothesis
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Neolithic revolution (New Stone age)
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(10,000 years ago) Domestication of plants and animals began, this is where the study of genetics began and the cultivation of certain traits in a species to form an advantage. Evolution=natural, Domestication=artificial, the cultivation of traits that you want
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Simple traits
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Controlled by 1-2 genes (ex: baldness, color blindness)
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Complex traits
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affected by multiple genes, environment, and the interaction between genes and the environment (ex: cancer risk, intelligence)
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Metagenome
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Community + ecosystem
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morph
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contrasting forms of a trait within a single species
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morphological traits
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traits affecting appearance
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physiological traits
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traits affecting ability to function
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behavioral traits
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traits affecting response to environment
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alleles
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different forms of a gene
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genotype
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defines an organism
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gene pool
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defines a population
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genome
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defines a species
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metagenome
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defines a communty
