Questions and Answers
The fundamental unit of heredity is the?
Gene
Each gene is actually composed of __, specifically designed to carry out a single body function.
DNA
A __ is a very large molecule made by linking a series of repeating units.
Polymer
A __ is composed of a sugar molecule, a phosphorus-containing group, and a nitrogen-containing molecule called a base.
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DNA is actually a very large molecule made by linking a series of __ to form a natural polymer.
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__ different bases are associated with the makeup of DNA.
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Watson and Crick demonstrated that DNA is composed of two strands coiled into the shape of __.
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The structure of DNA requires the pairing of base A to __ and base G to __.
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The base sequence T-G-C-A can be paired with the base sequence ___ in a double helix configuration.
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The inheritable traits that are controlled by DNA arise out of DNA's ability to direct the production of __.
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__ are derived from a combination of up to 20 known amino acids.
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The production of an amino acid is controlled by a sequence of __ bases on the DNA molecule.
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Enzymes known as DNA polymerase assemble new DNA strands into a proper base sequence during replication.
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DNA can be copied outside a living cell.
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All of the letter sequences in DNA code for the production of proteins.
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In STR DNA typing, a typical DNA pattern shows __ bands.
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Specimens amenable to DNA typing are blood, semen, body tissues, and hair.
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Short DNA segments containing repeating sequences of 3-7 bases are called?
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The short length of STRs allows them to be replicated by __.
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The longer the DNA strand, the less susceptible it is to degradation.
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Used as markers for identification purposes, __ are locations on the chromosome that contain short sequences that repeat themselves within the DNA molecule.
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CODIS maintains local, state, and national databases of DNA profiles from convicted offenders, unsolved crime-scene evidence, and profiles of missing people.
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Amazingly, the sensitivity of STR profiling requires only __ DNA-bearing cells to obtain an STR profile.
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During evidence collection, all body fluids must be assumed to be __ and handled with latex-gloved hands.
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The concept of __ involves simultaneous detection of more than one DNA marker.
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The amelogenin gene shows two bands for a __ and one band for __.
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Y-STR typing is useful when one is confronted with a DNA mixture containing more than one __ contributor.
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Mitochondrial DNA is inherited from the __.
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Mitochondrial DNA is more plentiful in the human cell than is nuclear DNA.
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Study Notes
Genetics and DNA Structure
- Genes are the fundamental units of heredity responsible for carrying traits.
- Each gene consists of DNA, specifically structured to perform distinct body functions.
- DNA is a large polymer formed by linking repeating units of nucleotides.
Nucleotide Composition
- Nucleotides consist of a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen-containing base.
- DNA's structure is characterized by two coiled strands in a double helix formation.
- DNA comprises four different bases that pair specifically: A with T and G with C.
Base Pairing and Coding
- Base sequences in DNA are complementary; for example, T-G-C-A pairs with C-A-G-T.
- DNA directs the production of proteins, which determine inheritable traits.
Protein Synthesis
- Proteins are constructed from combinations of up to 20 different amino acids.
- The sequence of bases on DNA determines the specific amino acid produced.
DNA Replication and Typing
- DNA polymerase enzymes synthesize new DNA strands using proper base sequences during replication.
- Typing DNA involves identifying specific patterns; typically, an STR DNA pattern shows three bands.
DNA Specimens and STRs
- Suitable specimens for DNA typing include blood, semen, tissue, and hair.
- Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) are short DNA segments with repeating sequences of 3-7 bases, easily replicated by PCR.
DNA Degradation and STR Profiling
- Shorter DNA strands are more susceptible to degradation than longer strands.
- STRs serve as valuable markers for identification purposes, abundant within the human genome.
DNA Databases and Sensitivity
- CODIS manages DNA profiles for convicted offenders, unsolved cases, and missing persons.
- Only 13 DNA-bearing cells are needed to generate an STR profile, showcasing STR profiling's sensitivity.
Evidence Collection
- All body fluids collected for DNA analysis must be treated as potentially infectious.
Advanced Techniques
- Multiplexing allows for simultaneous detection of multiple DNA markers.
- The amelogenin gene shows two bands for males and one band for females.
Specialized DNA Typing
- Y-STR typing is essential for analyzing DNA mixtures with multiple male contributors.
- Mitochondrial DNA, inherited maternally, is present in greater amounts than nuclear DNA in human cells.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key genetics concepts with these flashcards from Chapter 15. Each card covers essential vocabulary, including terms like gene, DNA, and polymer. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of heredity and molecular biology.
