Genetics and Inheritance Fundamentals

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of a gene within the genome?

  • To code for a specific protein (correct)
  • To provide structural support to the cell
  • To facilitate cellular respiration
  • To store energy in the form of ATP

Which of the following describes the structure of a DNA molecule?

  • Linear and made up of amino acids
  • Circular and found in the cytoplasm
  • Single-stranded with ribose sugar
  • Two strands coiled in a double helix linked by paired bases (correct)

What is the term for different forms of a gene that can result in varying traits?

  • Alleles (correct)
  • Phenotypes
  • Genotypes
  • Chromosomes

During which process does a diploid cell divide to produce haploid gametes?

<p>Meiosis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the genetic basis for sex determination in humans?

<p>The presence of XX or XY chromosomes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'codominance' refer to in genetics?

<p>When both alleles are expressed equally in the phenotype (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the phenotype of an organism?

<p>The physical expression of its genotype (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the probable outcome for a monohybrid cross between two heterozygous parents (Aa)?

<p>1 AA : 2 Aa : 1 aa (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the base pairs in DNA contribute to its structure?

<p>Base pairs in DNA consist of adenine pairing with thymine and cytosine pairing with guanine, creating a stable double helix structure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does mRNA play in protein synthesis?

<p>mRNA carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosomes, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis during translation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the difference between homozygous and heterozygous genotypes.

<p>Homozygous genotypes consist of two identical alleles for a trait, while heterozygous genotypes have two different alleles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how meiosis contributes to genetic diversity in offspring.

<p>Meiosis produces four genetically different haploid gametes, promoting genetic variation through independent assortment and recombination.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of mutations in genetics?

<p>Mutations are rare changes in genetic material that can lead to new alleles, potentially resulting in phenotypic changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the process of transcription in protein synthesis.

<p>Transcription is the process where a segment of DNA is copied into mRNA, which then exits the nucleus to guide protein synthesis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is polygenic inheritance, and how does it affect phenotypic traits?

<p>Polygenic inheritance involves multiple genes influencing a single trait, resulting in a continuous range of phenotypic variations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the determination of sex at fertilization occur in humans?

<p>In humans, sex is determined by the combination of sex chromosomes from the parents, where XX results in females and XY results in males.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Gene

A section of DNA that codes for a specific protein.

Allele

Alternative forms of a gene.

Homozygous

Having two identical alleles for a gene.

Heterozygous

Having two different alleles for a gene.

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Phenotype

Observable characteristics of an organism.

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Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism..

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Mitosis

Cell division resulting in two identical cells.

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Meiosis

Cell division producing four genetically different cells.

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Protein synthesis

The process of creating proteins from DNA instructions. It involves two steps: transcription and translation.

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Transcription

The process of copying DNA into RNA, using the same genetic code.

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Translation

The process of using RNA to create a specific protein, using ribosomes and tRNA.

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Codominance

When both alleles in a genotype are expressed in the phenotype, showing both traits.

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Polygenic inheritance

When multiple genes influence a single trait, creating a wider range of phenotypes.

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Genetic variation

Differences in genes among individuals in a population, leading to unique traits.

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Study Notes

Inheritance

  • The genome is an organism's entire DNA; a gene is a section of DNA coding for a protein.
  • A cell's nucleus contains chromosomes that house genes.
  • DNA is a double helix with paired bases: adenine (A) with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) with guanine (G).
  • RNA is single-stranded, with uracil (U) instead of thymine.
  • Protein synthesis involves transcription and translation using mRNA, ribosomes, tRNA, codons, and anticodons.
  • Genes exist as alleles, creating variations in inherited traits.
  • Dominant, recessive, homozygous, heterozygous, phenotype, and genotype are terms related to gene expression.
  • Codominance means both alleles are expressed in the phenotype.
  • Polygenic inheritance results from multiple genes influencing a trait, rather than a single gene.
  • Monohybrid inheritance can be depicted using genetic diagrams and family pedigrees, to predict probabilities from crosses.
  • Sex is determined by chromosomes (XX for female, XY for male) via fertilization.
  • Mitosis divides a diploid cell into two identical diploid cells, for growth, repair, & asexual reproduction.
  • Meiosis divides a cell into four haploid gametes, each with half the chromosomes, contributing to genetic variation in offspring.
  • Offspring's genetic variation arises from random fertilization of haploid gametes.
  • Humans have 46 chromosomes (diploid) and 23 chromosomes (haploid).
  • Variation can be genetic, environmental, or a combination.
  • Mutations are rare, random changes in DNA that can be inherited.

Mutations and Evolution

  • Changes in DNA sequence can alter protein and hence phenotype.
  • Most genetic mutations have little or no effect, some are slight, few are significant.
  • Exposure to ionizing radiation (gamma rays, X-rays, UV) and chemicals (e.g., tobacco) can increase the rate of mutations.
  • Darwin's theory of evolution describes evolution by natural selection.
  • Antibiotic resistance can increase in bacterial populations, making infections harder to control.

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