Introduction to Biology

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Questions and Answers

A researcher is studying a population of butterflies where wing color is determined by a single gene with two alleles: black (B) and white (b). After several generations, they observe an increase in the frequency of the B allele. Which of the following factors could be the least likely cause of this shift, assuming all other factors are kept constant?

  • Butterflies with black wings are preferred mates and have a higher reproductive success.
  • A new mutation arises in the population converting the b allele to the B allele at a higher rate than the reverse.
  • There is random mating and no selection, mutation, or migration occurring within the butterfly population. (correct)
  • Butterflies with black wings are better camouflaged and have a higher survival rate.

In a species of flowering plant, the genes for flower color and plant height are located on different chromosomes. A plant breeder crosses a true-breeding plant with red flowers and tall stems with a true-breeding plant with white flowers and short stems. The F1 generation all have pink flowers and medium height stems. What can you conclude about the inheritance of flower color and plant height in this plant?

  • Flower color exhibits complete dominance, and plant height exhibits incomplete dominance.
  • Flower color exhibits incomplete dominance, and plant height exhibits complete dominance.
  • Both flower color and plant height exhibit incomplete dominance. (correct)
  • Both flower color and plant height exhibit complete dominance.

Which of the following best describes the process of translation?

  • The synthesis of RNA from a protein template.
  • The synthesis of RNA from a DNA template.
  • The synthesis of DNA from an RNA template.
  • The synthesis of protein from an RNA template. (correct)

A scientist is studying a newly discovered virus. They find that the viral genome is made of RNA and that the virus uses the host cell's ribosomes to synthesize viral proteins directly from the viral RNA. Which of the following steps of the central dogma is not explicitly required for this virus to replicate?

<p>Transcription (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is investigating a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in a mitochondrial gene. Which of the following inheritance patterns would be most likely to be observed in a family with this disorder?

<p>The disorder is inherited from the mother only. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a species of beetle, antenna color is determined by a single gene with two alleles: green (G) and brown (g). A population of beetles is sampled, and the following genotype frequencies are observed: GG = 0.64, Gg = 0.32, gg = 0.04. Is this population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

<p>No, because the observed genotype frequencies do not match the expected frequencies under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most accurate description of the role of non-coding RNA?

<p>Regulates gene expression without being translated into protein. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A scientist is studying a series of related genes in different species. They notice that while the overall DNA sequence similarity is high, there are regions with significant differences. Which of the following mechanisms is most likely responsible for these localized differences?

<p>Mutation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A diploid organism has the genotype AaBbCc, where all three genes are located on different chromosomes. How many unique gamete genotypes can this organism produce through independent assortment?

<p>8 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A researcher discovers that a particular gene is expressed at high levels in liver cells but is almost completely silent in brain cells. Which of the following epigenetic mechanisms is most likely responsible for this difference in gene expression?

<p>Increased histone acetylation in liver cells and increased DNA methylation in brain cells. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Genetics

The study of heredity and variation in living organisms, exploring traits passed from parents to offspring.

Genes

Units of heredity made up of DNA, dictating specific traits.

Chromosomes

Structures containing DNA, organized within the cell's nucleus.

Genome

The complete set of genetic material in an organism.

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Alleles

Different versions of a gene, contributing to variations in traits.

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Genotype

The genetic makeup of an organism.

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Phenotype

Observable characteristics of an organism, resulting from the interaction of genotype and environment.

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DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)

The molecule that carries genetic information, with a double helix structure.

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Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.

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Translation

The process of synthesizing protein from an RNA template.

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Study Notes

  • Biology is the scientific study of life
  • It encompasses the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, and distribution of living organisms

Core Principles of Biology

  • Cell theory: All living organisms are composed of cells
  • Gene theory: Hereditary information is encoded in DNA and passed from parents to offspring
  • Evolution: Life evolves over time through natural selection
  • Homeostasis: Living organisms maintain a stable internal environment
  • Thermodynamics: Life depends on the flow of energy and matter

Levels of Biological Organization

  • Atoms: The basic units of matter
  • Molecules: Atoms bonded together
  • Organelles: Functional components of cells
  • Cells: The basic unit of life
  • Tissues: Groups of similar cells performing a specific function
  • Organs: Structures composed of different tissues
  • Organ systems: Groups of organs working together
  • Organisms: Individual living beings
  • Populations: Groups of organisms of the same species
  • Communities: Populations of different species interacting
  • Ecosystems: Communities and their physical environment
  • Biosphere: All ecosystems on Earth

Domains of Life

  • Bacteria: Prokaryotic microorganisms
  • Archaea: Prokaryotic microorganisms distinct from bacteria
  • Eukarya: Organisms with cells containing a nucleus

Genetics

  • Genetics is the study of heredity and variation in living organisms
  • It explores how traits are passed from parents to offspring and how genetic information is organized, regulated, and expressed

Basic Concepts in Genetics

  • Genes: Units of heredity made up of DNA
  • Chromosomes: Structures containing DNA
  • Genome: The complete set of genetic material in an organism
  • Alleles: Different versions of a gene
  • Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism
  • Phenotype: The observable characteristics of an organism

DNA and RNA

  • DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid): The molecule that carries genetic information
  • Double helix structure: Two strands of nucleotides twisted around each other
  • Nucleotides: The building blocks of DNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base
  • Nitrogenous bases in DNA: Adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T)
  • Base pairing rules: A pairs with T, and C pairs with G
  • RNA (Ribonucleic acid): Involved in protein synthesis
  • RNA structure: Single-stranded
  • Nitrogenous bases in RNA: Adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and uracil (U)

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

  • DNA -> RNA -> Protein
  • Transcription: The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template
  • Translation: The process of synthesizing protein from an RNA template
  • Codon: A sequence of three nucleotides that specifies a particular amino acid

Mendelian Genetics

  • Gregor Mendel: The father of modern genetics
  • Mendel's experiments with pea plants: Demonstrated the principles of inheritance
  • Law of Segregation: Each individual has two alleles for each trait, and these alleles separate during gamete formation
  • Law of Independent Assortment: Genes for different traits are inherited independently of each other

Genetic Variation

  • Mutation: Changes in the DNA sequence
  • Recombination: The exchange of genetic material between chromosomes
  • Gene flow: The movement of genes between populations
  • Genetic drift: Random changes in allele frequencies

Chromosomal Abnormalities

  • Aneuploidy: Abnormal number of chromosomes
  • Polyploidy: Having more than two sets of chromosomes
  • Deletion: Loss of a portion of a chromosome
  • Duplication: Repetition of a portion of a chromosome
  • Inversion: Reversal of a segment of a chromosome
  • Translocation: Movement of a segment of a chromosome to a different chromosome

Molecular Genetics

  • Gene cloning: Producing multiple copies of a gene
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR): Amplifying DNA sequences
  • DNA sequencing: Determining the nucleotide sequence of DNA
  • Recombinant DNA technology: Combining DNA from different sources

Epigenetics

  • Changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the DNA sequence itself
  • DNA methylation: Addition of a methyl group to DNA
  • Histone modification: Changes to histone proteins that affect gene expression
  • Non-coding RNA: RNA molecules that do not code for proteins but can regulate gene expression

Population Genetics

  • Study of the genetic composition of populations and how it changes over time
  • Hardy-Weinberg principle: Describes the conditions under which allele and genotype frequencies in a population will remain constant from generation to generation
  • Forces that can alter allele frequencies: Natural selection, mutation, gene flow, genetic drift, and non-random mating

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