Untitled Quiz

Study Notes

Genetics studies how traits are inherited from parents to offspring through DNA sequence changes.
A gene is a DNA segment that provides instructions to produce molecules essential for body functions.
The genome is the complete genetic material present in almost all cells, housed within the nucleus of human, plant, and animal cells.
Human genomes are largely identical across individuals, with minor variations responsible for differences.

Heredity is the transmission of traits from parents to offspring.
Offspring inherit genetic characteristics from both parents, particularly pronounced during sexual reproduction.
Genetic variation stems from DNA replication errors and is crucial for evolution, resulting from gene mutations and environmental interactions.

Gene: The primary unit of inheritance composed of DNA that holds genetic information; inherited from both parents.
Family histories can predict disease susceptibility due to shared genetic and environmental factors.

Genetic diseases arise from anomalies in genetic makeup, varying from minor mutations to significant chromosomal abnormalities.
Genetic disorders can be inherited or result from acquired mutations.

Single Gene Inheritance: Caused by mutations in one gene, with several inheritance patterns, including autosomal dominant (one defective gene can cause the condition).
Chromosome Abnormalities: Issues during cell division leading to structural changes like deletion, duplication, inversion, and translocation; examples include Down syndrome, Edward's syndrome, and Klinefelter's syndrome.
Mitochondrial Inheritance: Disorders from mutations in mitochondrial DNA, inherited only from mothers; examples include Leber's optic atrophy and MELAS.

Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell division and has a genetic component; mutations in DNA accumulate over time leading to malignancy.
Inherited defects and external factors like pollution and lifestyle choices can escalate cancer risk.
Cells typically undergo apoptosis when severely damaged; cancerous cells evade this and proliferate.

Tumors are abnormal cell masses and can be benign (non-cancerous, localized) or malignant (cancerous, capable of spreading).
Malignant tumors metastasize, meaning cancer cells can invade other tissues and spread through the lymphatic system and bloodstream.

Cancers are categorized as solid (e.g., breast, lung) or liquid (e.g., blood cancers) and further classified by tissue type:
Carcinoma: Originates in epithelial tissues, comprising 80-90% of cancers; includes breast and prostate cancers.
Sarcoma: Arises in connective tissue like bone and muscle; examples include osteosarcoma.
Myeloma: Plasma cell cancers found in bone marrow; includes multiple myeloma.
Leukemia: Blood cancers emerging from the bone marrow, characterized by abnormal blood cell proliferation.
Lymphoma: Cancers of immune cells, including Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Mixed Cancer: Arises from multiple tissue types.