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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of genes within chromosomes?
What is the primary function of genes within chromosomes?
How many chromosomes does a human zygote have after fertilization?
How many chromosomes does a human zygote have after fertilization?
Which statement best describes the human genome?
Which statement best describes the human genome?
What role does RNA polymerase play in gene expression?
What role does RNA polymerase play in gene expression?
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Which of the following is true about chromosomes in human somatic cells?
Which of the following is true about chromosomes in human somatic cells?
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What does a single-celled zygote contain at conception?
What does a single-celled zygote contain at conception?
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During mitosis, sex cells divide and replicate their DNA.
During mitosis, sex cells divide and replicate their DNA.
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What are mutations in genetic material?
What are mutations in genetic material?
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How many chromosomes do each cell typically maintain?
How many chromosomes do each cell typically maintain?
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What is the term for the process by which cells specialize in various bodily functions?
What is the term for the process by which cells specialize in various bodily functions?
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What are some factors that can activate or deactivate genes?
What are some factors that can activate or deactivate genes?
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Heredity and environmental influences do not affect gene activation.
Heredity and environmental influences do not affect gene activation.
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Study Notes
The Genetic Code
- Heredity is encoded in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
- DNA has a double-helix structure, resembling a spiraling ladder.
- The genetic code consists of four bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
- These bases serve as "letters" that cellular machinery interprets to carry out biological functions.
Chromosomes
- Chromosomes are coils of DNA, composed of segments known as genes.
- Genes are the functional units of heredity located at specific positions on chromosomes.
- Each gene is made up of thousands of nucleotide bases.
- The sequence of bases within a gene instructs cells on how to synthesize proteins, essential for carrying out specific tasks.
Human Genome
- The entire set of genes in humans is termed the human genome.
- Each individual's genome is unique, serving as a reference point for the location of human genes.
- Analogously, an individual's DNA resembles a library where each book (gene) contains specific information.
- The enzyme RNA polymerase is vital for reading DNA, transcribing it into messenger RNA (mRNA) for practical use.
- Environmental factors influence which genes are activated, impacting development.
Chromosome Composition
- Typically, human cells (excluding sex cells) contain 23 pairs of chromosomes, totaling 46.
- Meiosis reduces sex cells (sperm and ova) to 23 chromosomes, one from each pair.
- Upon fertilization, a zygote forms with 46 chromosomes—23 from each parent.
Conception & Development
- A zygote is a single-celled entity containing all genetic information necessary for an individual's entire development.
- Mitosis enables non-sex cells to divide and replicate DNA, ensuring each resulting cell is genetically identical.
- Cell division generates copies that retain hereditary information, crucial for maintaining genetic integrity.
- Errors in DNA replication may result in mutations, which are irreversible alterations in genetic makeup.
- Each somatic cell, unless it is a sex cell, contains 46 chromosomes, maintaining consistency with the original zygote.
- As cell division occurs, cells undergo differentiation, specializing in various functions that foster growth and development in the fetus.
Genes & Influences
- Genes can be either activated or suppressed by a range of factors:
- External factors: Nutrition and stress levels can impact gene expression.
- Internal factors: Hormones present in the mother or fetus can influence genetic activation.
- The interplay between heredity and environmental factors begins from the outset of development, affecting the individual's growth and characteristics.
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Description
Explore the intricate details of genetics, including the structure and function of DNA, chromosomes, and the human genome. This quiz delves into the fundamental principles of heredity, the coding of genetic information, and the uniqueness of individual genomes. Test your understanding of how genes play a vital role in biological processes.
