Genetics Quiz: Key Terms and Concepts

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Questions and Answers

What best describes the process of commitment in cell fate?

It involves stages including specification, determination, and differentiation. (correct)

It refers only to the differentiation stage.

It is the point at which cells lose all potential for other fates.

It is a random process that cannot be influenced.

How do epigenetic modifications affect gene expression?

They only affect protein activity after transcription.

They have no effect on transcriptional machinery.

They enable genes to be transcribed more easily by altering DNA accessibility. (correct)

They permanently change the base-pair sequence of DNA.

Which of the following cell types has the ability to differentiate into all cell types in an organism?

Multipotent cells

Pluripotent cells

Unipotent cells

Totipotent cells (correct)

Which characteristic is NOT associated with multipotent stem cells?

They are capable of giving rise to all cell types in the body. Signup and view all the answers

During the specification stage of cell fate commitment, what is true?

Cells are capable of differentiating autonomously. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of induction in cellular development?

To instruct one group of cells to adopt characteristics of another group. Signup and view all the answers

Which modification to DNA can lead to heritable changes in cell function?

DNA methylation Signup and view all the answers

What type of stem cells are capable of developing into any cell type, including placental cells?

Totipotent cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of totipotent cells?

Cells that can form any cell of the body and some extra-embryonic membranes. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes multipotent cells?

Can form various types of related cells within the body. Signup and view all the answers

What does differentiation indicate in cells?

Observable specialization of structural or functional characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of somatic (adult) stem cells?

They remain undifferentiated but are determined to a single fate. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key condition under which stem cells can differentiate into specialized cells?

When they undergo optimal stimulation for mitosis. Signup and view all the answers

In general, what relationship exists between cell differentiation and mitosis?

Less differentiated cells are less likely to undergo mitosis. Signup and view all the answers

How are bone marrow stem cells categorized?

As multipotent cells that can form several blood cell types. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the determination process in relation to differentiation?

It establishes which cells will display differentiation later on. Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of totipotent cells?

They possess total potential and can form any cell type of the body. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cells are described as having a 'plurality' of potency?

Pluripotent cells Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the differentiation process of a determined cell?

The cell begins to express proteins characteristic of its future cell type. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the changes that occur during determination?

It involves the selection of a specific developmental pathway. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of multipotent cells?

They possess total potential to become any cell type. Signup and view all the answers

What defines the potency level of a cell?

The range of cell types the cell can differentiate into. Signup and view all the answers

How does differentiation relate to specification and determination?

Differentiation may occur long after both determination and specification. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding early embryonic cells?

They are totipotent and retain the potential to become any cell type. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Terms and Concepts

Genome: The complete set of DNA sequences in an organism.
Gene expression: The process by which information from a gene is used to create a functional gene product, typically a protein.
Chromosome: A threadlike structure of nucleic acids and proteins found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
Chromatin: The complex of DNA and proteins that makes up eukaryotic chromosomes.
Cis-acting sequences: DNA sequences that regulate gene expression that are located on the same DNA strand as the gene they regulate.
Promoter: A DNA sequence that initiates gene transcription.
Enhancer: A DNA sequence that increases the rate of transcription.
mRNA: Messenger RNA, a type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes.
Intron: Non-coding regions within a gene.
Exon: Coding regions within a gene.
In situ hybridization (ISH): A technique to locate specific DNA/RNA sequences in cells or tissues.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC): A technique used to visualize specific proteins within cells or tissues.
PCR: Polymerase Chain Reaction, a molecular biology technique used to amplify DNA sequences.
Western blotting: A technique used to detect specific proteins in a sample.
ELISA: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, a technique used to detect specific antibodies, hormones, peptides or proteins.
Epigenetic modifications: Modifications to DNA or associated proteins that alter gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence (examples include DNA methylation, histone acetylation/methylation).
DNA mutation: A permanent change in the DNA sequence.
Induction: A process in which one cell population influences another at close range, causing changes in its development.
Cell potency: The ability of a cell to differentiate into different cell types.
- Totipotent: A cell with the ability to differentiate into any cell type in the organism and extraembryonic tissues.
- Pluripotent: A cell with the ability to differentiate into most, but not all, cell types in the organism.
- Multipotent: A cell with the ability to differentiate into a limited number of cells types.
- Determined: A cell that has committed to a specific fate and can no longer change its fate.
Stem cell: An undifferentiated cell capable of differentiating into specialized cell types.

Learning Objectives

Define key terms and concepts related to developmental biology.
Differentiate between genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications and their impact on gene expression and cellular differentiation.
Explain how epigenetic DNA modifications influence gene expression and cellular differentiation.
Describe the role of transcription factors in gene expression.
Compare and contrast cell fate potential of totipotent, pluripotent, multipotent, and determined cells.
Define and describe different types of cellular progeny a cell can produce.
Explain how molecular biology techniques assess gene and protein expression.

Concepts of Development

The development of a fetus from a single cell requires precisely timed and integrated events.
Each mature cell possesses the complete genome. However, distinct cell types express different genes, dictated by different gene expression patterns.
Cell development aims to create a diverse array of highly organized cells.
The regulation of gene expression controls embryogenesis.

Cell Potency and Fate

Cell fate commitment: The process where a cell's fate is assigned.
- Specification: Initial commitment.
- Determination: Stable commitment.
- Differentiation: Observable phenotypic changes.
Determination: The selection of a developmental pathway, influencing cell lineage.
Differentiation: The process by which unspecialized cells convert into specialized cells with unique phenotypes.
Differentiation: Cells with the same genetic makeup can display different phenotypes.
Stem cell definition: A relatively unspecialized cell that can undergo cell division and give rise to a) a specific stem cell and b) a cell that differentiates further

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Description

Test your knowledge on key terms and concepts in genetics with this quiz. Explore topics such as genome structure, gene expression, and the roles of chromatin and mRNA. Perfect for students seeking to reinforce their understanding of molecular genetics.