DNA + GENETICS

• How did Mendel come to the conclusion that yellow peas was a dominant characteristic?


  Through observing the results of crossing yellow peas with green peas and finding that all offspring had yellow peas.
• What is the genetic term used to describe the less common characteristic?

  The recessive characteristic
• Give the definition of asexual reproduction 


  It involves just one parent and does not involve the fusion of gametes
• Give two advantages of asexual reproduction


  It’s faster since it uses just one parent and it can be helpful cloning identical plants

  Can take place in many different environments and positive genetic influences will pass on
• Define the term gene


  A section of DNA that codes for specific proteins
• Define the term genome 


  All of the DNA in an organism
• Describe the structure of DNA


  Double helix shape with bonds at the bottom to hold it together
• Describe how complementary base pairs are held together


  Hydrogen bonds hold base pairs together
• Describe how to extract DNA from cells

  Mashing the organism, adding 100ml of salt solution, filter the mixture, measure 10ml of the filtrate and add protease enzymes, add to ice cold ethanol and leave for a few minutes, a white layer begins to form between the ethanol and filtrate; this is DNA
• What is The Human Genome project?


  Research to determine the order of bases in the human genome
• Give two benefits of the HGP


  Has allowed us to identify and treat genetic disorders

  Allowed us to personalise medicine based on an individual’s genetics
• Explain the role of the cytoplasm in the human cell


  Where most of the cell activity takes place