Mendelian Genetics and Population Genetics Quiz

A method for determining the nucleotide sequence of DNA, relying on the incorporation of chain-terminating dideoxynucleotides (ddNTPs) during DNA synthesis.

A principle in population genetics stating that allele and genotype frequencies remain constant in a population from generation to generation, provided certain evolutionary influences are absent.

A laboratory technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their size, driven by an electric current through a gel matrix.

A laboratory technique for amplifying specific DNA segments using a series of cycles involving denaturation, annealing, and elongation.

The total collection of all alleles for all genes within a population.

The proportion of individuals in a population with a specific genotype.

The proportion of a specific allele in a population's gene pool.

Smaller DNA fragments migrate further down the gel during electrophoresis, while larger fragments stay closer to the starting point.

The sequence is read from the 5' end (bottom of the gel) to the 3' end (top of the gel).

A test cross is performed to determine the genotype of an unknown individual by crossing it with a homozygous recessive individual.

If all offspring show the dominant trait, the unknown parent is homozygous dominant. If some offspring show the recessive trait, the unknown parent is heterozygous.

Evolution is a change in the allele frequencies within a population over generations.

Adaptive change is an evolutionary change that increases the population's fitness and adaptation to its environment. Natural selection is the only mechanism that consistently drives adaptive change.

Natural selection occurs when individuals with certain traits have a higher chance of survival and reproduction due to those traits, leading to an increase in the frequency of those traits in the population.

Genetic drift is a random change in allele frequencies in a population, often due to chance events like natural disasters or small population size.

A fixed allele is an allele that has become the only version of that gene in a population. There is no variation for that specific gene.

A non-evolving population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, meaning its allele and genotype frequencies remain constant across generations. This theoretical state assumes no evolutionary influences, such as genetic drift, gene flow, mutation, non-random mating, or natural selection, are present.

During gamete formation, each member of an allele pair separates from the other member to go into a different gamete. This means that the two alleles for a trait separate during meiosis, and each gamete receives only one allele from each pair.

Allele pairs separate independently during gamete formation, meaning that the inheritance of one trait doesn't affect the inheritance of another trait.

The phenotypic ratio observed in the F2 generation of a dihybrid cross is 9:3:3:1. This means that for four phenotypes, there are 9 individuals displaying the dominant trait for both characteristics, 3 individuals with the dominant trait of one and recessive for the other, 3 with the dominant trait of the other and the recessive trait of the first, and 1 with the recessive trait for both.

One allele masks the expression of the other allele, resulting in only one phenotype being observed. For example, if a plant inherits the allele for red flowers and an allele for white flowers, and red is dominant, then the plant will have red flowers.

Neither allele is completely dominant over the other, resulting in a blended phenotype. For example, a red flower and a white flower might produce pink offspring.

Both alleles are expressed simultaneously, resulting in a phenotype that displays both traits. For example, a flower with red and white petals.

The differences in genes within a population, providing a foundation for evolution. This diversity allows for a wider range of traits, increasing the likelihood of individuals with advantageous traits surviving and passing them on.

The equation p + q = 1, where 'p' represents the frequency of one allele and 'q' represents the frequency of the other allele in a two-allele system. It helps predict allele frequencies in a population.

The equation p² + 2pq + q² = 1, where 'p' and 'q' are the frequencies of two alleles. It helps predict genotype frequencies for homozygous dominant (p²), heterozygous (2pq), and homozygous recessive (q²) genotypes in a population.

Using the allele frequencies (p and q) from the Hardy-Weinberg equation, you can find the genotype frequencies. If you know 'p', you can find 'q' and then calculate the frequencies of the three possible genotypes (p², 2pq, and q²).

Genetic variation within a population is essential for natural selection to occur. The presence of different traits allows for differential survival and reproduction, leading to evolutionary change.

Genetic drift is the random fluctuation of allele frequencies in a population, particularly evident in small populations. It can lead to the loss of genetic diversity.

The Hardy-Weinberg principle describes a theoretical population where allele and genotype frequencies remain constant across generations, under specific conditions: no mutations, no gene flow, random mating, no genetic drift, and no natural selection.

Stabilizing selection favors individuals with intermediate phenotypes, leading to a reduction in variation around the optimal trait.

The founder effect occurs when a new population is established by a small number of individuals, leading to a reduced genetic diversity compared to the source population.

Artificial selection is the intentional breeding of organisms by humans to select for desired traits, often resulting in significant changes in phenotypic characteristics.

Evolution refers to the gradual changes in the genetic makeup of a population over time, driven by factors like genetic drift, natural selection, and mutations.

During gamete formation, each allele pair separates, so that each gamete receives only one allele from each pair.