biology-genetics

• What is the study of inheritance called?

  Genetics
• How are genes passed from parent to offspring?


  Through interactions that control the appearance of the offspring
• What is a gene?


  A sequence of bases on DNA that codes for a polypeptide or functional RNA
• What role does RNA play in genetics?


  RNA transfers genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis
• What determines the characteristics of an organism?

  Proteins produced by genes
• What is the relationship between the structure of nucleic acids and their function?


  The structure of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) is closely related to their function in inheritance
• What are the components of a nucleotide?


  A pentose sugar, a nitrogen-containing organic base, and a phosphate group
• What is the pentose sugar in RNA and DNA?


  RNA contains ribose, while DNA contains deoxyribose
• What are the organic bases found in RNA?


  Adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and uracil (U)
• What are the organic bases found in DNA?

  Adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T)
• How are nucleotides joined together in DNA and RNA?


  By phosphodiester bonds forming a sugar-phosphate backbone
• What is the structure of the DNA molecule?


  It is a double helix made of two long polynucleotide chains
• What pairs with adenine (A) in DNA?


  Thymine (T)
• What pairs with cytosine (C) in DNA?


  Guanine (G)
• What is the function of complementary base pairing in DNA?


  It holds the two strands of DNA together and is essential for genetic information storage
• What is the significance of the stability of the DNA molecule?


  It is important for containing and passing on genetic information
• What is the process of DNA replication called?


  Semi-conservative replication
• What are the stages of DNA replication?

  1. DNA double helix unwinds (helicase breaks hydrogen bonds)
  2. Strands act as templates for new strands
  3. DNA nucleotides bind to unpaired bases
  4. DNA polymerase catalyzes phosphodiester bond formation
• What happens during semi-conservative replication?


  Two new double helix molecules are formed, each with one original and one new strand
• What is a mutation?


  A change in the sequence of bases in DNA
• What can occur when a mutation happens within the coding region of DNA?


  A new allele can be formed
• What is an allele?


  A variant of a gene
• What is the focus of genetics?


  The function of single genes or small groups of genes and their effects on organisms
• What does genomics study?


  How all genes in an organism interact and the role of non-coding DNA sequences
• What is a genome?


  The entire genetic material of an organism
• How does semi-conservative replication ensure genetic continuity?


  It produces two identical DNA molecules, preserving genetic information
• What is the link between semi-conservative replication and genetic variation?


  Wrong bases can be inserted during replication, leading to mutations
• Why do mutations rarely result in new alleles?


  Because much of the DNA does not code for proteins
• What is the source of genetic variation?

  Mutations that occur within the coding region of a gene
• What is the significance of genetic variation in evolution?


  It is the basis for natural selection
• What technology is required for genomics?

  DNA sequencing and bioinformatics
• How does genetics contribute to medicine?


  It helps understand inherited disorders and assess risks of inheritance
• How is genomics used in medicine?


  To investigate links between genes and various diseases