Mathematics Basics Quiz

Study Notes

Understanding genetic processes is fundamental to comprehending life itself
Genetic information determines the characteristics and behaviors of organisms
The study of genetics is intertwined with physiology, cellular biology, evolution, ecology, systematics; and other biological disciplines

Reproduction is a fundamental characteristic of all living organisms that enables perpetuation of species
Asexual reproduction involves a single parent, creating offspring with identical genetic makeup through mechanisms like binary fission, budding, spores, or vegetative propagation.
Sexual reproduction involves two parents, with genetic material combining, creating offspring with variations in genetic makeup via processes like fertilization

Variations are differences among individuals within a population, be they plants or animals.
Variations can be based on physiological and/or morphological traits (e.g., color, size, shape, ability)
Genetic variations result from different sets of inherited alleles while environmental factors can cause non-heritable variations.

Heritable variations are passed from parents to offspring through genes. Physical traits like eye color are examples.
Non-heritable variations aren't determined by genes but rather from environmental factors. For example, a tan from sunlight.

Theory of Pangenesis: This theory suggests hereditary information from all parts of the body is carried to the reproductive organs.
Theory of Acquired Characters: This theory, put forth by Lamarck, suggests that traits acquired during an organism's lifetime can be passed on to offspring.
Theory of Continuity of Germplasm: Weismann proposed that germ cells carry hereditary material, separate from somatic cells.
Mendel's Work in Genetics: Mendel's experiments with pea plants provided fundamental principles of inheritance.

Mendel established two laws: - The law of segregation (alleles separate during gamete formation) and the law of independent assortment (alleles for different traits are inherited independently).

Genes located close together on the same chromosome tend to be inherited together. This is called genetic linkage.

A process that occurs during meiosis, where homologous chromosomes exchange segments of their DNA.
This promotes genetic variation within species.

Sex chromosomes (e.g., XX and XY in humans) determine sex in many species.
Sex-linked traits are inherited by genes on sex chromosomes, sometimes manifesting differently in males and females.

Nucleic acids are DNA and RNA, both carrying genetic information but with structural and functional differences. DNA is typically double-stranded, while RNA is usually single-stranded.
They are long polymeric chains formed of nucleotides and carry instructions for cellular activities and protein synthesis.

DNA replication describes the process by which DNA makes a copy of itself, ensuring identical genetic material is passed on to daughter cells.
The process involves a series of enzymes and steps.

Some viruses have DNA, while others have RNA.
These genetic elements may have a circular or linear arrangement and direct their own replication mechanism by hijacking the host cell's machinery.

Eukaryotic chromosomes are highly organized structures containing DNA and proteins within the nucleus of the cells.
Chromosomes are made up of chromatin fibers which are composed of DNA wrapped around histone proteins.
The structures have a centromere, telomeres, & sister chromatids,
The specific structure varies from organism to organism.

Cell cycle is a series of events that take place in a cell between a cell division and the next cell division.
This cycle includes gap phases, synthesis phase, and division phases, all crucial activities.