Genetics Overview Quiz

Genetics

Definition: Study of heredity and variation in organisms.
Key Concepts:
- Genes: Units of heredity made up of DNA.
- DNA Structure: Double helix composed of nucleotides (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine).
- Alleles: Different versions of a gene (dominant/recessive).
- Genotype vs Phenotype:
  - Genotype: Genetic makeup of an organism.
  - Phenotype: Observable traits or characteristics.
- Mendelian Genetics: Principles of inheritance established by Gregor Mendel.
  - Law of Segregation: Alleles for a trait separate during gamete formation.
  - Law of Independent Assortment: Genes for different traits are inherited independently.
- Molecular Genetics: Focuses on the structure and function of genes at a molecular level.
- Genetic Variation: Results from mutations, recombination, and gene flow.
- Genetic Disorders: Inherited conditions caused by mutations (e.g., cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia).
- Techniques:
  - PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Amplifies DNA.
  - CRISPR: Gene editing tool.

Cell Biology

Definition: Study of cell structure and function.
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: Lack a nucleus (e.g., bacteria).
  - Eukaryotic: Have a nucleus and organelles (e.g., plants, animals).
- Cell Structure:
  - Nucleus: Contains genetic material (DNA).
  - Cytoplasm: Jelly-like substance where cellular processes occur.
  - Plasma Membrane: Semi-permeable barrier that regulates entry/exit of substances.
  - Organelles:
    - Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell, ATP production.
    - Ribosomes: Protein synthesis.
    - Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Protein and lipid synthesis (Rough ER - ribosomes, Smooth ER - no ribosomes).
    - Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins.
    - Lysosomes: Digestive enzymes for waste removal.
- Cell Division:
  - Mitosis: Division of somatic cells for growth and repair.
  - Meiosis: Division producing gametes for sexual reproduction.
- Cell Signaling: Communication between cells via chemical signals (hormones, neurotransmitters).
- Cell Metabolism:
  - Catabolism: Breakdown of molecules for energy.
  - Anabolism: Synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones.

Genetics

Study of heredity and variation in organisms.
Genes: Basic units of heredity composed of DNA.
DNA Structure: Features a double helix formed by nucleotides, including adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
Alleles: Variants of a gene, which can be dominant or recessive.
Genotype vs Phenotype:
- Genotype refers to the genetic composition of an organism.
- Phenotype encompasses the physical traits and characteristics that are observable.
Mendelian Genetics: Foundation of inheritance principles by Gregor Mendel.
- Law of Segregation: Alleles separate during the formation of gametes.
- Law of Independent Assortment: Different genes are inherited independently from one another.
Molecular Genetics: Examines gene structure and functionality on a molecular scale.
Genetic Variation: Arises from mutations, genetic recombination, and gene flow among populations.
Genetic Disorders: Diseases inherited due to mutations, including cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia.
Techniques:
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Method for amplifying DNA samples.
- CRISPR: Advanced gene-editing technology that allows for precise modifications to DNA.

Cell Biology

Study of cell structure and its functions.
Cell Theory:
- Asserts that all living beings are made of cells.
- The cell is recognized as the fundamental unit of life.
- All cells originate from pre-existing cells.
Types of Cells:
- Prokaryotic Cells: Cells without a nucleus; typical examples include bacteria.
- Eukaryotic Cells: Cells containing a nucleus and organelles, such as those found in plants and animals.
Cell Structure:
- Nucleus: Contains the cell's genetic material (DNA).
- Cytoplasm: Gel-like substance where cellular processes occur.
- Plasma Membrane: Semi-permeable barrier that controls the movement of substances.
Organelles:
- Mitochondria: Known as the cell’s powerhouse, responsible for ATP production.
- Ribosomes: Engineered for protein synthesis.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Involved in protein (Rough ER) and lipid (Smooth ER) synthesis.
- Golgi Apparatus: Functions in the modification, sorting, and packaging of proteins.
- Lysosomes: Contain digestive enzymes that facilitate waste removal.
Cell Division:
- Mitosis: Process by which somatic cells divide for growth and repair.
- Meiosis: Specialized division that produces gametes for sexual reproduction.
Cell Signaling: Mechanisms of communication between cells via hormones and neurotransmitters.
Cell Metabolism:
- Catabolism: The breakdown of molecules to release energy.
- Anabolism: The biosynthesis of complex molecules from simpler units.