Introduction to General Biology Two

The process of information flowing from DNA to RNA to protein.

Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T), and Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G) in DNA's double helix.

Adenine pairs with Uracil (U) in RNA and Cytosine pairs with Guanine.

A section of DNA that codes for a specific trait.

Different versions of a gene.

An allele that masks the effect of another allele.

An allele that is masked by a dominant allele.

A tool used to predict the possible genotypes of offspring from a genetic cross.

When neither allele is dominant and the heterozygote shows an intermediate phenotype.

Having two identical alleles for a specific trait.

Having two different alleles for a specific trait.

The physical or observable trait of an organism.

The genetic makeup of an organism, including its alleles.

Trait controlled by a gene located on a sex chromosome (X or Y).

Pattern of inheritance where a trait passes from a father to his daughter and then to her son.

Trait controlled by a gene found on the X chromosome.

Creating genetically identical copies of an organism, cell, or DNA sequence.

Small, circular DNA molecules that can replicate independently of the main chromosome.

DNA created by combining genetic material from different sources.

Proteins that cut DNA at specific sequences.

A system for organizing and comparing the history of Earth, similar to the periodic table for elements.

A technique to determine the age of rocks and fossils using radioactive isotopes.

A period of rapid decline in biodiversity, where many species disappear.

The scientific study of classifying, naming, and describing organisms. It involves arranging organisms into groups based on shared characteristics.

The scientific study of biodiversity, encompassing taxonomy and phylogenetics. It focuses on relationships and classification of organisms.

The study of the evolutionary relationships between organisms, often depicted using tree-like diagrams.

A two-part naming system for organisms, using a genus name followed by a species name. It is a universal standard in taxonomy.

A hierarchical system that categorizes organisms from the broadest to the most specific groups - Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.

Random changes in gene frequencies within a population due to chance events. It happens in ALL populations.

A drastic reduction in population size due to a catastrophic event, causing a loss of genetic diversity. This can lead to a new gene pool that doesn't represent the original population.

Change in gene frequencies when a small group of individuals breaks away from a larger population to establish a new colony. The new group will have a different gene pool compared to the original.

Organisms with traits that make them better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on those advantageous traits.

Humans intentionally choose specific organisms to reproduce, based on desired traits, leading to changes in the gene pool. This is how we get different breeds of animals and crops.

Genetic drift causes random changes in the frequency of alleles within a population. This means that some alleles may become more common, while others may become less common. It is a key factor in shaping the genetic makeup of a population over time.

Natural selection is driven by the environment, favoring traits that increase survival and reproduction. Artificial selection is driven by human intervention, choosing specific traits for breeding.

A bottleneck effect drastically reduces population size, leading to the loss of genetic diversity. It can cause a new gene pool that is very different from the original, potentially making the remaining population more vulnerable to diseases and environmental changes.

The theory of evolution by natural selection, stating that organisms with advantageous traits survive and reproduce more, passing those traits to their offspring, leading to gradual changes in populations over time.

Random changes in the frequency of alleles in a population, especially in smaller populations. This can lead to the loss of genetic variation or the fixation of alleles.

The movement of genes from one population to another, often through migration or interbreeding. It introduces new genetic variation and can homogenize gene pools.

Changes in DNA sequence that can introduce new genetic variations. While some mutations are harmful, others can be beneficial and contribute to evolution.

A mutation that occurs in the germline cells (sperm or egg) and is passed on to offspring, potentially influencing evolution.

Through ancient gene flow, Neanderthals have contributed to the genetic variation in modern humans, affecting traits like immunity, metabolism, and even skin color.

Mutation provides the raw material for variations, natural selection favors beneficial variations, gene flow spreads variations, and genetic drift can influence the frequency of variations. Together, these mechanisms drive evolutionary change.