Genetics and Protein Function

Questions and Answers

What is a trait?

A specific characteristic of an individual organism

What is a protein molecule?

A large type of molecule that performs a certain function in a molecule

What is a feature?

A characteristic all species have (example - Almost all humans are born with two arms).

What is a variation?

Any difference in traits between organisms. Signup and view all the answers

What is a structure?

The way something is shaped or constructed Signup and view all the answers

What is a function?

How something works. Signup and view all the answers

Each person in a family has the same traits. There are no differences in traits between parents and offspring or among siblings.

False Signup and view all the answers

Traits, such as your hair or eye color, are determined by the proteins made by cells in your body.

True Signup and view all the answers

Your proteins connect in a certain way. When they connect, they make unique traits among features.

True Signup and view all the answers

An offspring cannot have a trait if neither of its parents have it visible.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does the evidence show about ACTN3 protein?

This evidence shows that the fastest runners also had the highest amount of ACTN3 protein. This could mean that the trait for this feature is determined by the presence of this protein in runners' cells. Signup and view all the answers

What does the paragraph about spiders indicate regarding their silk traits?

The proteins made in cells determine what features the spider gets for its silk when it comes to the color of the silk. Signup and view all the answers

How is it possible for one sister's hair to be curly and the other's to be straight?

Traits are determined by protein molecules in the cell. Differences in the shapes of proteins cause them to connect differently, leading to a variation in traits. Signup and view all the answers

What can you infer from the family tree of spiders regarding traits the spiders inherit?

Male spiders are likely to have low silk flexibility. Signup and view all the answers

If a spider's cells build protein 3 and protein 2, what type of spider silk is being created?

Silk with medium to high flexibility Signup and view all the answers

If a spider's cells only build protein 3, what would be the trait of that spider?

A spider with no silk Signup and view all the answers

Where does the protein come from in your body?

Protein is made by your cells. It is used to build protein structures which will turn into features and traits. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Definitions

Trait: A specific characteristic unique to an individual organism.
Protein Molecule: A large molecule that serves particular functions in biological processes.
Feature: A common characteristic shared by all members of a species, such as humans typically having two arms.
Variation: Differences in traits observed between individuals or organisms.
Structure: The shape or construction of an entity.
Function: The operational mechanism of a structure or organism.

Genetic Insights

Variations in traits exist among family members, disproving the notion that all traits are identical among siblings or parents and offspring.
Traits like hair and eye color are influenced by proteins synthesized by cells.
Proteins can form unique traits based on their interactions and configurations.

Inheritance and Protein Influence

An offspring can exhibit traits not visibly present in parent organisms, indicating complex inheritance patterns.
Evidence indicates a correlation between high amounts of ACTN3 protein and sprinting ability, suggesting protein presence affects physical traits.

Spider Silk Variation

Spider silk characteristics vary due to differences in the protein molecules produced by their cells.
Specific protein combinations result in distinct silk traits, such as color.
Differences in protein shapes can create variations in hair texture, as exemplified by sisters with curly and straight hair.

Spider Traits

Male spiders are predicted to exhibit lower silk flexibility based on family traits.
Silk created by spider cells depends on the types of proteins they construct:
- Combination of protein 3 and protein 2: Yields silk with medium to high flexibility.
- Only protein 3: Results in no silk production.

Protein Origin

All proteins in the body are synthesized by cells, essential for building structures that define features and traits.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores key concepts in genetics, focusing on traits, variations, and the role of protein molecules in inheritance. Understand how specific characteristics influence organisms and how these traits are passed through generations. Test your knowledge on the structural and functional aspects of genetics.