BIOL 341: midterm

• What is the study of inherited traits and their variations called?

  Genetics
• How does heredity differ from genetics?

  Heredity is the transmission of inherited traits from generation to generation.
• What type of chemical makes up a gene?

  DNA
• What role do genes play in cells?

  Genes provide biochemical instructions for cells to manufacture proteins that control characteristics.
• What is a gene?

  A gene is a section of a DNA molecule that instructs a cell to produce a particular protein.
• What is an exome?

  The exome is the approximately 1 percent of the genome that encodes proteins.
• What is a genome?

  The genome is the complete set of genetic instructions in the cells of a type of organism.
• What is bioethics?

  Bioethics is a field that addresses personal and societal issues arising from medical technology and genetic information.
• What are the levels of genetic information?

  The levels include molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, individual, family, population, and species evolution.
• How does DNA maintain information?

  DNA maintains information through the sequence of nitrogenous bases that encode genetic instructions for protein synthesis.
• What are the nitrogenous bases in DNA?

  Adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).

  
• How do nitrogenous bases pair in DNA?

  A pairs with T, and C pairs with G.
• How can a mutation cause a disease?

  A mutation changes the DNA sequence of a gene, altering the protein produced and potentially disrupting biological processes.
• What are the two types of chromosomes?

  Autosomes and sex chromosomes.
• How do Mendelian traits differ from complex traits?

  Mendelian traits are influenced by a single gene, while complex traits are influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors.
• What is gene expression?

  Gene expression is the process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional product, typically a protein.
• What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

  Genotype refers to the genetic makeup, while phenotype describes the observable traits resulting from the genotype.
• What is the difference between dominant and recessive alleles?

  Dominant alleles express their effects with one copy, while recessive alleles require two copies to manifest.
• What is a gene pool?

  A gene pool is the complete set of genetic information within a population.
• How can comparing DNA sequences clarify evolutionary relationships?

  Comparing DNA sequences reveals genetic similarities and differences, indicating evolutionary relationships among species.
• What are the three levels at which genetics can be examined?

  • Molecular level: Structure and function of DNA.
  • Transmission level: Inheritance patterns of traits.
  • Population level: Distribution of alleles and genetic diversity.
• What are the applications of DNA testing in history?

  • Confirms or challenges anthropological findings.
  • Establishes family relationships.
  • Traces geographic origins of populations.
• What is DNA profiling?

  DNA profiling compares DNA sequences to establish identity, relationships, or ancestry.
• How does DNA testing contribute to historical knowledge?

  DNA testing can confirm or challenge existing historical findings and establish family relationships.
• What is precision medicine?

  Precision medicine tailors medical treatment based on an individual's genetic makeup and lifestyle.
• How does traditional breeding differ from genetic modification?

  Traditional breeding selects traits within the same species, while genetic modification alters genes in ways not found in nature.
• What is exome sequencing?

  Exome sequencing analyzes the DNA sequence of all protein-coding regions of the genome.
• What is metagenomics?

  Metagenomics studies the DNA of microorganisms directly from their environment without culturing them.
• Which characteristic is influenced by environmental factors: blood group or skin color?

  Skin color is influenced by environmental factors more than blood group.
• What risk factors might influence the expression of cystic fibrosis in an individual?

  Risk factors include environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and the presence of other genetic modifiers.
• What was the significance of August Weismann's experiment with mice?

  It illustrated the distinction between inherited traits and acquired characteristics.
• What are the four types of tissues?

  Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues.

  
• How many copies of the genome does a diploid cell have?

  Two copies of the genome.
• How many copies of the genome does a haploid cell have?

  One copy of the genome.
• What distinguishes a somatic cell from a germ cell?

  Somatic cells are diploid body cells, while germ cells are haploid reproductive cells.
• What does a eukaryotic cell have that a prokaryotic cell does not?

  A eukaryotic cell has a nucleus and organelles.
• What are the chemical constituents of cells?

  Cells are composed of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
• What are the general functions of organelles in a cell?

  Organelles carry out essential processes such as secretion, degradation of debris, and energy acquisition.
• How do organelles interact during secretion?

  The endoplasmic reticulum synthesizes proteins, which are processed by the Golgi apparatus and transported by vesicles to the plasma membrane.
• What are the applications of genetics in forensic science?

  • DNA profiling links suspects to crime scenes.
  • It identifies victims of disasters.
  • It assists in locating biological relatives for adopted individuals.