Genetics Chapters 1-3 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What was the leader of the Green Revolution known for?

Developing genetic therapy techniques

Expanding food production in the 50s and 60s (correct)

Describing the concept of evolution

Identifying the structure of DNA

What is Gene Therapy?

The direct alteration of genes to treat human diseases.

Define Evolution.

Genetic change through time.

What role does Developmental Biology play in genetics?

It relies on genetics in that tissues and organs develop through the regulated expression of genes. Signup and view all the answers

What does Genome refer to?

A complete set of genetic information encoded in nucleic acids. Signup and view all the answers

What is Transmission/Classical Genetics?

It encompasses the basic principles of heredity and how traits are passed from one generation to the next. Signup and view all the answers

What does Molecular Genetics focus on?

The chemical nature of the gene itself. Signup and view all the answers

Define Population Genetics.

It explores the genetic composition of groups of individuals and how it changes over time. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics make an organism a Model Genetic Organism?

Short generation time, large progeny numbers, small in size, and inexpensive maintenance. Signup and view all the answers

What is Pangenesis?

The theory that particles carry information from various body parts to reproductive organs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics'?

The traits acquired in a person's lifetime become part of the hereditary information. Signup and view all the answers

Who discovered cells and when?

Robert Hooke in 1665. Signup and view all the answers

What is Preformation?

The theory that inside the egg or sperm was a fully formed miniature adult. Signup and view all the answers

Define Blending Inheritance.

Offspring are a blend of parental traits. Signup and view all the answers

What did Schleiden and Schwann propose?

The Cell Theory in 1839. Signup and view all the answers

What did Walther Flemming observe?

The division of chromosomes (mitosis) in 1879. Signup and view all the answers

What does Germ-Plasm Theory state?

Cells in reproductive organs carry a complete set of genetic information. Signup and view all the answers

What are Telomeres?

The natural ends of a linear chromosome that protect and stabilize chromosomal ends. Signup and view all the answers

What is Interphase?

The period between cell division where growth and development occur. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the G1/S Checkpoint?

It holds the cell until all enzymes for DNA replication are present. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during Prophase?

Chromosomes become visible, and the mitotic spindle forms. Signup and view all the answers

Define Anaphase.

The separation of sister chromatids to opposite poles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the F2 Generation known for?

The first generation to produce a 3:1 ratio of traits Signup and view all the answers

What does the Principle of Segregation state?

Each diploid organism possesses 2 alleles for a characteristic. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mendel's Second Law, the Principle of Independent Assortment, state?

Alleles at different loci separate independently. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Testcross?

An individual of unknown genotype crossed with a homozygous recessive individual. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Dihybrid Cross?

A cross that tests two characters with a likely ratio of 9:3:3:1. Signup and view all the answers

What are Macro Molecules in genetics?

DNA, histone proteins, and non-histone proteins. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Richard Goldschmidt?

A geneticist who described the appearance of DNA as beads on a string. Signup and view all the answers

Who is known for working on Drosophila and what did he contribute?

Thomas Hunt Morgan, he is considered a pioneer of 20th-century genetics. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Green Revolution

Transformed global food production in the 1950s and 60s.
Norman Borlaug was a key leader in this movement.

Gene Therapy

Involves direct gene alteration to address human diseases.

Evolution

Refers to genetic changes over time.
Comprises a two-step process: random inherited differences and their varying proportions in a population.

Developmental Biology

Emphasizes the role of genetics in the development of tissues and organs through regulated gene expression.

Genome

Represents a complete set of genetic information in nucleic acids (DNA or RNA).

Transmission/Classical Genetics

Focuses on heredity principles and trait transmission between generations.
Studies chromosome relations, gene arrangement, and gene mapping.

Molecular Genetics

Examines the chemical nature of genes, including encoding, replication, and expression of genetic information.

Population Genetics

Investigates genetic structures within populations and their changes over time and geography, essential for understanding evolution.

Model Genetic Organisms

Ideal for genetic studies due to characteristics like short generation times, large offspring numbers, compact size, and low maintenance costs.
Demonstrates universal genetic mechanisms across organisms.

Pangenesis

An early theory suggesting that particles from the body inform reproductive cells, widely accepted until the 1800s.

Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics

Proposes that traits acquired during an organism's life can be passed to offspring.

Historical Figures

Robert Hooke discovered cells in 1665.
Schleiden and Schwann proposed Cell Theory in 1839, emphasizing that all life is cellular.
Walther Flemming observed mitosis in 1879.

Germ-Plasm Theory

Developed by August Weismann, it posits that reproductive cells carry genetic information to offspring.

Prokaryotic Cells

Characterized by lack of a nucleus, small size, circular DNA, and absence of organelles.
Two categories: Archaea (with histone proteins) and Eubacteria (without histones).

Eukaryotic Cells

Possess a nucleus, larger size, linear chromosomal DNA, and internal organelles.
DNA is associated with histone proteins, forming chromatin.

Viruses

Non-cellular entities with protein coats surrounding nucleic acids, requiring host cells for reproduction.

Cell Division

Prokaryotes reproduce via binary fission.
Eukaryotic cell division includes phases: G1, S (DNA synthesis), G2, M (mitosis).

Chromosomal Features

Homologous chromosomes carry similar hereditary traits.
Centromeres, telomeres, and origins of replication are essential for chromosome stability and division.

Cell Cycle Phases

Interphase includes G1 (growth), S (DNA replication), G2 (preparation for mitosis), G0 (non-dividing).
M phase encompasses mitosis and cytokinesis, critical for cell reproduction.

Meiosis

Consists of two divisions: first reduces chromosome number, second is equational.
Key stages: Leptotene, Zygotene, Pachytene, Diplotene, Diakinesis, Anaphase I, Interkinesis, Prophase II, Metaphase II, Anaphase II.
Handles genetic variation through crossing over and recombination.

Genetic Terms

Gene: An inherited factor influencing traits.
Alleles: Variants of a gene located at specific loci.
Genotype: Genetic constitution, classified as homozygous (identical alleles) or heterozygous (different alleles).
Phenotype: Observable expression of traits.

Mendelian Genetics

F2 generation yields a 3:1 phenotypic ratio.
Recessive alleles are masked by dominant alleles.
Principles of Segregation and Independent Assortment govern allele transmission.

Genetic Crosses

Backcross: Cross between F1 and parental genotype to demonstrate dominance.
Testcross: Cross of unknown genotype with a homozygous recessive to determine genotype.

Dihybrid Cross

Assesses two genetic traits with a standard ratio of 9:3:3:1 expected.

Molecular Genetics Insights

Macromolecules include DNA and proteins, vital for heredity and cellular function.
Richard Goldschmidt described the DNA structure as beads on a string.
Thomas Hunt Morgan pioneered modern genetics using Drosophila fruit flies for studies.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts from the first three chapters of genetics. This quiz covers important terms such as the Green Revolution, Gene Therapy, and Evolution. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of genetic principles.