Heredity and Genetic Processes

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Questions and Answers

Which component of the cellular nucleus of living organisms carries hereditary characters?

DNA

What do we call to the process of transfer of physical and mental characters from parents to the progeny?

Heredity

Which are the components of the DNA molecule?

Nucleotides

Sketch and explain the structure of DNA and various types of RNA.

DNA is a double-helix structure, consisting of two strands of nucleotides held together by hydrogen bonds. The two strands run in opposite directions (antiparallel) with sugar-phosphate backbones on the outside and nitrogenous bases pairing in the interior. There are three main types of RNA: <ol> <li> Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic code from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.</li> <li> Transfer RNA (tRNA) carries specific amino acids to the ribosomes during protein synthesis.</li> <li> Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a structural component of ribosomes.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the meaning of genetic disorders and give names of some disorders.

Genetic disorders arise from abnormalities in genes or chromosomes, leading to problems in the functioning of the body. Some common genetic disorders include: <ol> <li> Cystic fibrosis: affects the respiratory and digestive systems.</li> <li> Sickle cell anemia: causes red blood cells to be abnormally shaped.</li> <li> Hemophilia: a bleeding disorder due to a deficiency in clotting factors.</li> <li> Down syndrome: a chromosomal disorder characterized by intellectual disability and physical features.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the appendix of our digestive system?

The appendix is a small, finger-like projection from the large intestine. While its exact function is still debated, some scientists believe it may play a role in immune system development and the storage of beneficial bacteria. Signup and view all the answers

Are our wisdom teeth really useful for chewing the food?

False Signup and view all the answers

Why did the huge animals like dinosaur become extinct?

The extinction of dinosaurs is widely believed to have been caused by a catastrophic event, such as an asteroid impact or a massive volcanic eruption. These events would have caused significant changes in the environment, such as climate change, wildfires, and disruption of food chains, ultimately leading to the extinction of dinosaurs. Signup and view all the answers

Why are many species of animals and birds getting extinct?

Many factors contribute to the decline of animal and bird populations, including habitat loss, climate change, pollution, over-hunting, and the introduction of invasive species. These factors disrupt ecosystems and threaten the survival of various species, leading to extinction. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Heredity and Hereditary Changes

Heredity is the transfer of biological characteristics from one generation to another via genes.
Gregor Johann Mendel pioneered modern genetics.
Hugo de Vries's mutational theory explained sudden changes.
Walter Sutton observed paired chromosomes (1902).
Avery, McCarty, and McLeod proved DNA is genetic material (1944) in most organisms
Francois Jacob and Jack Monod proposed a DNA-based protein synthesis model (1961).
Recombinant DNA technology emerged from this.
Heredity is helpful for diagnosing, treating, and preventing genetic disorders, producing hybrid varieties, and industrial processes using microbes.

Transcription, Translation, & Translocation

DNA structure and different types of RNA are explained.
Genetic disorders and their names are discussed.
DNA stores protein synthesis information, which is then used to make proteins via RNA.
The process of making RNA from DNA is called transcription.
mRNA is produced complementary to DNA.
tRNA brings amino acids to ribosomes to assemble proteins (translation).
rRNA is important to translation in ribosomes.
This process is called translocation when ribosome moves along mRNA.

Evidences of Evolution

Evolution is the gradual change in organisms over time.
Morphological similarities in animals and plants suggest shared ancestry.
Anatomical similarities in bone structure in different animals suggest a common ancestor.
Vestigial organs are organs that are reduced in size or function but were once useful in ancestors.
Fossils are remains of organisms preserved in the earth.
Studying fossils helps determine the evolution of organisms.
Gradual change results in new species formation.

Speciation

Species are groups of organisms capable of interbreeding.
Speciation is the process of new species formation.
Geographical isolation leads to reproductive isolation which can lead to speciation.
Genetic variation is important to new species formation.

Human Evolution

Humans evolved from simple unicellular organisms.
Monkey-like ancestors evolved from ancestors similar to modern lemurs.
Ape-like animals reached Asia, becoming different species.
Gorillas and chimpanzees evolved from other apes.
Humans developed erect posture about 2 million years ago.
Ramapithecus is an early human ancestor.
Early humans developed agriculture, writing, and complex societies.
Early hominid ancestors were very similar to apes.

Lamarckism

Proposed that acquired characteristics could be passed down to offspring.
Giraffe's long neck was due to generations' extending their necks.
Evolution occurs via organs changing due to use or disuse.
This theory has been refuted by modern evolutionary theory.

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Description

This quiz explores the key concepts of heredity, including the contributions of notable scientists and the processes of transcription, translation, and translocation. It covers the significance of DNA and RNA in genetic material and protein synthesis, along with genetic disorders. Test your knowledge on modern genetics and its applications!