Untitled Quiz

Course Information

• Course: BIO 325
• Material: Finals Study Material
• Key concepts extracted from discussions and lectures are included
• Practice problems are provided
• Alternative resources such as office hours, reminders, and flashcards are available
• The final will be held in WCP 1.402

Preface

• Exam is based on homework; understanding homework is essential for exam preparation
• Study guide with concepts and practice problems to reduce exam anxiety
• Specific problems tested in the previous Spring '23 exam and questions seen on exams are included
• Students are encouraged to take care of themselves and thank you for their work in the semester

Key Concepts

• Recombination Frequency (RF): RF values less than 50% indicate linked genes. Linkage means no independent assortment (no 1:1:1:1 ratio of gamete types)
• Formula for calculating RF: RF = (R/R+P) x 100
• RF of 1% = 1 map unit (m.u.) = 1 centimorgan (cM)

DNA Replication and Mutation

• DNA replication is a natural process, but can be affected by mutagens
• Damage during replication leads to mutations
• DNA repair mechanisms can fix DNA damage

Gene Expression and Different Cell Types

• Different cell types utilize the same genome differently
• Gene expression can be altered to express different proteins
• The process involves transcription, followed by mRNA processing to create mature mRNA, and lastly translation leading to protein synthesis

Gene Structure and Processing

• DNA is composed of exons and introns
• Primary transcripts contain introns and exons
• Mature mRNA contains exons only, with a 5' cap and a 3' Poly-A tail
• mRNA is translated in the cytoplasm, creating proteins

DNA Digestion

• Cutting DNA using restriction enzymes:
  • Blunt ends (5' even 3')
  • Sticky ends (5' or 3' overhangs: 5') heavier (3') or 3' heavier (5')
• Recognition sites are specific sequences recognized by the enzymes.
• Finding one recognition site (1/4) n in length, where n represents the genome length
• Number of Fragments is proportional to the genome length

PCR Components and Process

• PCR Components: DNA sample, primers, nucleotides, Taq polymerase, mix buffer, PCR tube, thermal cycler
• PCR Process (one cycle):
  • Denaturing (95°C): separates DNA strands
  • Annealing (55°C): primers bind to template
  • Extension (72°C): synthesizes new strand

Genotypes and Traits

• SNPs and rare dominant and recessive traits. In a dominant trait, only one copy of the rare variant is needed to express the trait. In a recessive trait, two copies of the rare variant are needed to express the trait.

Meiotic Nondisjunction

• Errors in meiosis can lead to aneuploid gametes
• Nondisjunction during the first or second meiotic division can result in trisomy (2n+1) or monosomy (2n-1) conditions in the zygote

Monoploid Gametes and Meiosis

• Most plants and animals are not monoploid. Monoploids cannot produce normal gametes via normal meiosis.
• Meiosis results in sterile offspring if chromosome number is too high.

Imprinting

• Paternal and maternal imprinting: diseases can be passed down through affected offspring, but with different patterns.

Gene Editing (CRISPR-Cas9)

• Editing genomes involves:
  • targeting of a specific location
  • DNA cleavage
• repair via nonhomologous end joining or homologous recombination
• Knockin/knockout mutations

Cancer Driver Mutations

• Cancer cells have driver mutations that create feedback loops
• Mutations impact cell-cycle regulators and signaling pathways affecting DNA repair mechanism
• Mutations categorized into two classes: proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressors

Practice Problems

• Illustrative problems on different topics

Alternative Resources

• Combined office hours on Wednesday, 12/11, 11 AM-4:30 PM in WEL 2.140
• Flashcards to aid understanding