Genetics Basics

Questions and Answers

To regulate gene expression

To facilitate hydrogen bonding between nucleotides

To encode genetic information

To provide structural support to the DNA molecule (correct)

Recreation

Food production (correct)

Climate regulation

Pollination

Genotype is the dominant trait, while phenotype is the recessive trait

Genotype is the genetic code, while phenotype is the physical expression of a trait (correct)

Genotype is the environmentally influenced trait, while phenotype is the genetically influenced trait

Genotype is the physical expression of a trait, while phenotype is the genetic code

Binding to the operator region to block RNA polymerase Signup and view all the answers

To provide structural support and maintain cell shape Signup and view all the answers

Transpiration Signup and view all the answers

Gene flow Signup and view all the answers

To bind RNA polymerase and initiate transcription Signup and view all the answers

Commensalism Signup and view all the answers

Photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

DNA Structure: Double helix model, nucleotides (A, C, G, T), sugar-phosphate backbone, and hydrogen bonding
Genetic Code: 3-base codons, 64 possible combinations, codes for 20 amino acids and stop signals
Inheritance Patterns: Mendel's laws (Segregation, Independent Assortment, Dominance), Punnett squares, genotype vs. phenotype
Gene Expression: Transcription (RNA synthesis), translation (protein synthesis), regulation of gene expression (enhancers, promoters, repressors)
Genetic Variation: Mutations, genetic drift, gene flow, and natural selection

Ecosystems: Interactions between biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components, energy flow, nutrient cycling
Population Dynamics: Growth rates, population size, density, and dispersion, demographic transitions
Species Interactions: Predation, competition, symbiosis (mutualism, commensalism, parasitism), keystone species
Community Ecology: Species richness, diversity, and abundance, community structure, ecological niches
Ecosystem Services: Provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services

Microorganism Types: Bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, protists, and algae
Microbial Structure: Cell walls, membranes, cytoplasm, and genetic material
Microbial Metabolism: Aerobic vs. anaerobic respiration, fermentation, photosynthesis, and chemosynthesis
Microbial Interactions: Symbiotic relationships, pathogenesis, and immune responses
Microbial Ecology: Environmental roles, soil microbiology, and microbial communities

DNA Structure: Double helix model composed of nucleotides (A, C, G, T) linked by sugar-phosphate backbone and held together by hydrogen bonding between nucleotides
Genetic Code: 3-base codons translate into 20 amino acids and stop signals, with 64 possible codon combinations determining protein sequences
Inheritance Patterns: Mendel's laws govern inheritance, including Segregation (separation of alleles), Independent Assortment (independent gene transmission), and Dominance (dominant allele expression); Punnett squares illustrate probability of genotype and phenotype combinations
Gene Expression: Transcription initiates RNA synthesis, translation builds proteins from RNA sequences, and regulation of gene expression involves enhancers, promoters, and repressors controlling gene transcription
Genetic Variation: Mutations alter DNA sequences, genetic drift affects population gene frequencies, gene flow introduces new alleles, and natural selection drives adaptation to environmental pressures

Ecosystems: Interactions between biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components govern ecosystem function, including energy flow and nutrient cycling
Population Dynamics: Growth rates, population size, density, and dispersion influence population dynamics, with demographic transitions driving population change
Species Interactions: Predation, competition, symbiosis (mutualism, commensalism, parasitism), and keystone species interactions shape community structure
Community Ecology: Species richness, diversity, and abundance determine community composition, with ecological niches influencing species coexistence
Ecosystem Services: Provisioning services provide resources, regulating services maintain ecosystem balance, cultural services support human well-being, and supporting services underpin ecosystem function

Microorganism Types: Bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, protists, and algae are distinct microorganism groups, each with unique characteristics
Microbial Structure: Cell walls, membranes, cytoplasm, and genetic material compose microbial cells, with differences between groups
Microbial Metabolism: Aerobic and anaerobic respiration, fermentation, photosynthesis, and chemosynthesis are key metabolic pathways used by microorganisms
Microbial Interactions: Symbiotic relationships, pathogenesis, and immune responses characterize microorganism interactions with hosts and environments
Microbial Ecology: Environmental roles, soil microbiology, and microbial communities highlight the importance of microorganisms in ecosystem function