Genetics Overview Quiz

Genetics

Definition: Study of heredity and variation in organisms.
Key Concepts:
- Genes: Units of heredity made up of DNA; govern traits.
- Alleles: Different forms of a gene; can be dominant or recessive.
- Genotype: Genetic makeup of an organism; combination of alleles.
- Phenotype: Observable traits expressed by an organism.
- Mendelian Inheritance: Principles of inheritance derived from Gregor Mendel’s experiments with pea plants.
  - Law of Segregation: Alleles segregate during gamete formation.
  - Law of Independent Assortment: Genes for different traits segregate independently.
- Mutation: Change in DNA sequence; can lead to variation in traits.
- Genetic Variation: Caused by mutation, gene flow, and sexual reproduction.
- DNA Structure: Double helix composed of nucleotides (A, T, C, G).
- Chromosomes: Structures made of DNA and proteins; humans have 23 pairs.
Techniques:
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Amplifies DNA sequences.
- Gel Electrophoresis: Separates DNA fragments based on size.
- CRISPR: Genome editing technology that allows modification of DNA sequences.

Cell Biology

Definition: Study of the structure, function, and behavior of cells.
Key Concepts:
- Cell Theory:
  - All living organisms are composed of cells.
  - The cell is the basic unit of life.
  - All cells arise from pre-existing cells.
- Types of Cells:
  - Prokaryotic Cells: Lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (e.g., bacteria).
  - Eukaryotic Cells: Contain a nucleus and organelles (e.g., plant and animal cells).
- Cell Structure:
  - Cell Membrane: Semi-permeable barrier that controls movement in and out of the cell.
  - Nucleus: Contains genetic material; controls cell activities.
  - Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell; site of energy production (ATP).
  - Ribosomes: Sites of protein synthesis.
  - Endoplasmic Reticulum: Network involved in protein and lipid synthesis; includes rough (with ribosomes) and smooth (without ribosomes).
  - Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion.
  - Lysosomes: Contain enzymes for digestion and waste removal.
- Cell Cycle:
  - Interphase: Cell grows and DNA is replicated.
  - Mitosis: Division of the nucleus; produces two identical daughter cells.
  - Cytokinesis: Division of the cytoplasm; completes cell division.
- Cell Communication: Cells communicate via signaling molecules and receptors, influencing growth, differentiation, and response to the environment.

Genetics

Study of heredity and variation in organisms highlighting how traits are passed down through generations.
Genes are fundamental units made of DNA that dictate specific traits in an organism.
Alleles represent variations of a gene; dominant alleles can mask recessive ones in expressions.
Genotype refers to the specific genetic makeup of an organism, determined by its allele combinations.
Phenotype encompasses the visible traits or characteristics displayed by an organism, influenced by both genotype and environment.
Mendelian Inheritance is based on Gregor Mendel's experiments, establishing core principles of heredity:
- Law of Segregation states that alleles segregate during the formation of gametes, ensuring diversity in offspring.
- Law of Independent Assortment specifies that genes for different traits separate independently during gamete formation, contributing to genetic variability.
Mutations are alterations in DNA sequences that can introduce new traits or variations within a population.
Genetic Variation arises from factors such as mutation, gene flow between populations, and the process of sexual reproduction.
DNA Structure is characterized by its double-helix formation, composed of nucleotide bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
Chromosomes are DNA-protein complexes; humans possess 23 pairs, totaling 46 chromosomes.
Important Techniques in genetics include:
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) for amplifying specific DNA sequences.
- Gel Electrophoresis technique to separate DNA fragments according to their size.
- CRISPR technology for precise genome editing, allowing targeted modifications in DNA sequences.

Cell Biology

Focuses on the study of cells, their structures, functions, and interactions within living organisms.
Cell Theory outlines fundamental principles:
- All living organisms are composed of cells, forming the basic unit of life.
- Cells arise from pre-existing cells through division.
Distinction between cell types:
- Prokaryotic Cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; examples include bacteria.
- Eukaryotic Cells have a nucleus and organelles; found in plants and animals.
Key Cell Structures include:
- Cell Membrane acts as a semi-permeable barrier regulating entry and exit of substances.
- Nucleus stores genetic material and directs cellular activities.
- Mitochondria, known as the powerhouse of the cell, facilitate ATP production through cellular respiration.
- Ribosomes are essential for synthesizing proteins from amino acids.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum serves various roles in protein and lipid synthesis; comprises rough (with ribosomes) and smooth (lacking ribosomes) regions.
- Golgi Apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for cellular distribution or secretion.
- Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes that digest waste materials and cellular debris.
Cell Cycle includes distinct phases:
- Interphase is the period of cell growth and DNA replication before division.
- Mitosis leads to the formation of two genetically identical daughter cells through division of the nucleus.
- Cytokinesis completes the cell division process by separating the cytoplasm into two distinct cells.
Cell Communication occurs through the release of signaling molecules that bind to receptors, facilitating responses to environmental stimuli and promoting growth and differentiation.