BIOL 341: UNIT 1

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

  Genetics
• How does heredity differ from genetics?

  Heredity is the transmission of traits between generations, while genetics is the study of those traits.
• What chemical makes up a gene?

  A gene consists of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
• What role does DNA play in a cell?

  DNA transmits information in its sequence of building blocks.
• What are the three components that distinguish a gene, an exome, and a genome?

  A gene is a unit of heredity, an exome is the protein-coding part of the genome, and a genome is the complete set of genetic instructions.
• What percentage of the human genome specifies proteins?

  About 1 percent of the human genome specifies proteins.
• What is bioethics?

  Bioethics addresses concerns arising from new genetic technologies.
• What are the levels of genetic information?

  • Molecular level
  • Cellular level
  • Tissue and organ level
  • Individual level
  • Family level
  • Population level
  • Evolution of species
• How does DNA maintain information?

  DNA maintains information through its sequence of nitrogenous bases.
• What are the nitrogenous bases in DNA?

  The nitrogenous bases in DNA are adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine.
• How do the nitrogenous bases pair in DNA?

  Adenine pairs with thymine, and cytosine pairs with guanine.
• What is the process of DNA replication?

  1. The double helix untwists and separates.
  2. Each half builds a new partner chain from free DNA bases.
  3. Resulting daughter cells inherit identical copies of the genome.
• What is transcription in genetics?

  Transcription is the process of copying DNA information into messenger RNA (mRNA).
• What is translation in genetics?

  Translation uses RNA information to assemble amino acids into proteins.
• How does a mutation affect a gene?

  A mutation is a change in a gene that can cause diseases or alter traits.
• What is an allele?

  An allele is a variant of a protein-encoding gene.
• What are the two types of chromosomes?

  The two types of chromosomes are autosomes and sex chromosomes.
• How many pairs of chromosomes do humans have?

  Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes.
• What is the difference between Mendelian and complex traits?

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

  Gene expression is the process of copying DNA into RNA and using that RNA to make proteins.
• What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?

  Genotype refers to the genetic makeup, while phenotype refers to observable traits.
• What is a pedigree?

  A pedigree is a diagram used to study traits in families.
• What is a gene pool?

  A gene pool is the collection of alleles in a genetic population.
• How can comparing DNA sequences clarify evolutionary relationships?

  Comparing DNA sequences reveals genetic similarities and differences, indicating evolutionary relationships.
• What are the three levels of genetics?

  • Molecular level: Structure and function of DNA
  • Transmission level: Inheritance patterns
  • Population level: Distribution of alleles and genetic diversity
• What is DNA profiling?

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

  DNA testing can confirm or challenge anthropological and historical findings.
• What is precision medicine?

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

  Traditional breeding selects traits within the same species, while genetic modification alters genes across species.
• What is exome sequencing?

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

  Metagenomics studies the DNA of microorganisms directly from their environment.
• Which trait is more influenced by environmental factors: blood group or skin color?

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

  Environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and genetic modifiers can influence cystic fibrosis expression.
• What was the significance of August Weismann's experiment with mice?

  It demonstrated that acquired traits are not inherited, highlighting the distinction between genotype and phenotype.
• What are some applications of genetics?

  • Establishing Identity: DNA profiling in forensics
  • Illuminating History: Ancient DNA analysis for migration patterns
  • Conservation Genetics: Enhancing breeding programs for endangered species
  • Precision Medicine: Tailoring treatments based on genetic profiles
  • Genetic Modification: Developing pest-resistant crops
  • Exome Sequencing: Rapid diagnosis of rare genetic disorders
• Helicase


  Enzyme that unwinds and separates the double helix structure of DNA
• Primase


  Enzyme that adds short RNA primers to the template strands for DNA synthesis
• DNA Polymerase


  Enzyme responsible for reading the template strands and adding nucleotides to form a new complementary strand
• DNA Ligase

  Enzyme that seals the gaps between newly synthesized strands, forming a continuous chain
• DNA Replication


  The process by which DNA is copied to produce two identical copies of the original DNA molecule