genetics and genomics

• What is the focus of genomics?

  Genomics is the study of all the genes in our DNA.
• How does genomics differ from genetics?

  Genetics studies single genes, while genomics studies all genes in the genome.
• When did the scientific history of genetics begin?

  In the 1860s.
• When was the human genome sequenced?

  In 2003.
• What does epigenetics explain?

  It explains how different types of cells are formed from the same genome.
• How does epigenetics influence gene expression?

  It regulates which genes are expressed without changing the DNA itself.
• How can the epigenome of a developing baby be influenced?

  By the expectant parent's lifestyle while still in the womb.
• What is the genome found in?

  Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
• How many chromosomes do humans have?

  46 chromosomes.
• What are genes?

  Specific sequences of DNA.
• What do coding genes do?

  They code for proteins required by the body to function and reproduce.
• What do non-coding genes do?

  They act as regulators for protein synthesis.
• What is DNA synthesized from?

  Nucleotides.
• What structure does DNA form?

  A double helix.
• How do DNA bases pair?

  Adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T) and guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C).
• What are the main steps of protein synthesis?

  1. Gene expression: using the genetic code to synthesize proteins.
  2. Transcription: transfer of genetic information from DNA to messenger RNA (mRNA).
  3. Translation: reading mRNA to synthesize the corresponding protein.
• What are chromosomes made of?

  DNA and proteins.
• When can chromosomes be observed?

  During the metaphase of cell division.
• What type of cells are diploid?

  Cells that contain 2 copies of each chromosome.
• What are gametes?

  Haploid cells that contain 1 copy of each chromosome.
• What is created when an ovum is fertilized by a sperm?

  A zygote.
• What are the phases of mitosis?

  1. Prophase: Chromatin organizes into chromosomes.
  2. Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the cell center.
  3. Anaphase: Sister chromatids separate to opposite ends.
  4. Telophase: Nuclear membranes form around each set of chromosomes.
  5. Cytokinesis: Plasma membrane forms between the two new nuclei.
• What are the stages of meiosis?

  1. Meiosis 1:

  • Prophase 1: Chromosomes align and recombination occurs.
  • Metaphase 1: Chromosome pairs align at the cell center.
  • Anaphase 1: Chromosome pairs separate.

  1. Meiosis 2: Similar to mitosis, resulting in 4 unique daughter cells.
• What is the purpose of meiosis?

  To produce gametes containing one chromosome from each of the 23 pairs.
• What is recombination in meiosis?

  Exchanging segments of DNA between homologous chromatids.
• What is independent assortment in meiosis?

  Random distribution of homologous pairs to create genetic variation.
• What is a mutation?

  A mistake during DNA copying that changes the base sequence.
• Where do most mutations occur?

  In the non-coding area of DNA.
• What can mutations cause?

  They can cause cancer or cell death.
• How can mutations be inherited?

  They can occur during a person's life or be inherited from parents.
• What factors can increase the frequency of mutations?

  Radiation, ultraviolet light, alcohol, and tobacco.
• From whom are new gene mutations predominantly inherited?

  From the father.
• What is the spontaneous mutation rate in sperm compared to ovum?

  It is higher in sperm than in ovum.
• What is associated with increasing paternal age regarding mutations?

  New paternal gene mutations.
• What are alleles?

  Different types of each gene.
• What does heterozygous mean?

  Having 2 different alleles inherited.
• What does homozygous mean?

  Having 2 identical alleles inherited.
• What is a genotype?

  All the genes present in an individual's cells.
• What is a phenotype?

  Observable characteristics determined by an individual's genotype.
• What causes single gene disorders?

  A mutation of a single gene.