Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary structure that stores genetic information in organisms?
What is the primary structure that stores genetic information in organisms?
Which statement accurately defines an allele?
Which statement accurately defines an allele?
What term is used to describe an organism that has two identical alleles for a particular trait?
What term is used to describe an organism that has two identical alleles for a particular trait?
Which of the following best describes a phenotype?
Which of the following best describes a phenotype?
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What is the role of histones in relation to DNA?
What is the role of histones in relation to DNA?
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In genetic terms, what does the term 'locus' refer to?
In genetic terms, what does the term 'locus' refer to?
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What type of chromosomes contain genes that occur in pairs?
What type of chromosomes contain genes that occur in pairs?
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If an organism has genotypes 'AA' and 'aa', what is the phenotypic outcome assuming 'A' is dominant over 'a'?
If an organism has genotypes 'AA' and 'aa', what is the phenotypic outcome assuming 'A' is dominant over 'a'?
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How many genes have been associated with human eye color?
How many genes have been associated with human eye color?
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What is the term for the principle that states one allele can mask another?
What is the term for the principle that states one allele can mask another?
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What type of mutation occurs when it happens spontaneously and can be inherited?
What type of mutation occurs when it happens spontaneously and can be inherited?
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Which genetic condition is caused by a defective allele of a single gene located on chromosome 7?
Which genetic condition is caused by a defective allele of a single gene located on chromosome 7?
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What is the karyotype used for?
What is the karyotype used for?
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What is aneuploidy?
What is aneuploidy?
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What results from a cell having one additional chromosome (2n+1)?
What results from a cell having one additional chromosome (2n+1)?
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Which syndrome results from the chromosomal combination XXY?
Which syndrome results from the chromosomal combination XXY?
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Which of the following does NOT describe a feature of cystic fibrosis?
Which of the following does NOT describe a feature of cystic fibrosis?
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What are mutagens?
What are mutagens?
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Study Notes
Genetics Overview
- Genetics is the study of heredity and variation in organisms.
- Inheritance is the transmission of genetic information across generations.
- Genetic information is stored in DNA within the cell nucleus and mitochondria.
DNA, Chromosomes, and Genes
- DNA is a double helix, formed by nucleotides (sugar, phosphate, and base).
- Strands are connected by hydrogen bonds between complementary bases.
- Chromosomes are compacted DNA and proteins (histones).
- Nucleosomes coil to form chromatin, which further condenses into visible chromosomes during cell division.
- A gene is a DNA segment encoding a single protein.
- Genes reside at specific positions (loci) on chromosomes.
- Offspring inherit genes from parents via chromosomes passed in reproductive cells (gametes).
- A genome is the full set of genes in an organism.
Key Genetic Terms
- Homologous Chromosomes: Chromosome pairs with similar genes, leading to new combinations in sexual reproduction.
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Alleles: Alternate forms of a gene that occupy the same locus on homologous chromosomes, affecting the same trait.
- Most multicellular organisms are diploid (two alleles per gene).
- Homozygous: Identical alleles for a trait.
- Heterozygous: Different alleles for a trait.
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Genotype: The genetic makeup (AA, Aa, aa).
- Dominant alleles are represented using capital letters.
- Recessive alleles are represented by lowercase letters.
- Phenotype: Observable characteristics resulting from gene interaction, environment, and chance.
Multiple Alleles
- Multiple alleles (e.g., eye color) give variations within a species.
- Blood type (ABO) is controlled by multiple alleles (IA, IB, IO).
- 15 genes are associated with human eye color.
Mendel's Principles
- Principle of Dominance: One allele masks another in the F1 generation.
- Principle of Segregation: Gene pairs separate during gamete formation, each gamete receiving only one allele.
Mutations
- Mutations are random, inheritable changes in a genome's sequence.
- Can alter phenotypes. Some are neutral (no phenotypic change).
- Mutation rates: Vary depending on the organism and location in the genome.
- Mutagens: Increase mutation rates (induced mutations).
- Hereditary mutations: Occur in germ cells and are passed to all offspring's cells. Examples include cystic fibrosis, haemophilia, and sickle cell disease.
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Cystic Fibrosis (CF): Caused by a recessive mutant gene affecting ion transport in tissues.
- It's an autosomal recessive disease.
- CFTR gene is on chromosome 7.
- Affects chloride and thiocyanate transport.
- Mucus accumulation in lungs & digestive system causes complications.
- Couples being carriers of CF
- 1 in 4 children will have it
Karyotype
- A karyotype is an organized display of an organism's chromosomes.
- Used to identify abnormal chromosome numbers or structures.
Alterations of the Karyotype
- Errors in chromosome distribution during cell division can lead to:
- Polyploidy: Multiple sets of chromosomes.
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Aneuploidy: Abnormal number of chromosomes.
- Trisomy (2n+1): An extra chromosome. Example: Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21).
- Monosomy (2n-1): Missing a chromosome.
- Nullisomy (2n-2): Missing both homologous chromosomes.
- Aneuploidy impacts chromosome balance and can cause dysfunction or lethality in humans.
Impact of Aneuploidy
- Aneuploidy is a significant chromosomal change.
- Trisomies lead to three copies of a chromosome.
- Monosomies lead to one copy
- Viable trisomies are possible in certain organisms, though not all trisomies are present or viable
- Klinefelter Syndrome (XXY) illustrates a sex chromosome trisomy.
- Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) is a common viable human aneuploid.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamental concepts of genetics, including DNA structure, inheritance, and genetic terminology. This quiz covers essential topics such as chromosomes, genes, and genetic variation in organisms.