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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of DNA in cells?
What is the primary function of DNA in cells?
What is the term for the variations of a gene that code for different traits?
What is the term for the variations of a gene that code for different traits?
What is the result of a mistake in DNA replication that leads to too many or too few chromosomes?
What is the result of a mistake in DNA replication that leads to too many or too few chromosomes?
What is the term for the process of predicting the probability of offspring with certain traits using a diagram?
What is the term for the process of predicting the probability of offspring with certain traits using a diagram?
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What is the type of gene that is carried on the X chromosome and can cause traits such as color blindness?
What is the type of gene that is carried on the X chromosome and can cause traits such as color blindness?
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What is the term for the building blocks of DNA that consist of a phosphate group, sugar, and nitrogen base?
What is the term for the building blocks of DNA that consist of a phosphate group, sugar, and nitrogen base?
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Study Notes
What is DNA?
- DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms.
- It is responsible for determining the structure of all proteins and for the replication of cells, individual organisms, and species.
- DNA is located in the cell nucleus.
Structure of DNA
- DNA is made up of units called Nucleotides.
- Nucleotides have three parts: Phosphate group, Sugar, and Nitrogen base.
- The structure of DNA is called a double helix.
Genes and Chromosomes
- Genes are segments of DNA that code for proteins.
- Chromosomes are long ladders of DNA twisted up tight.
- Alleles are variations of a gene.
- Capital letters represent dominant alleles, while lower case letters represent recessive alleles.
Genotype and Phenotype
- RR = homozygous dominant
- Rr = heterozygous
- rr = homozygous recessive alleles
Predicting Offspring Traits
- Punnet squares can help us make predictions about the probability of offspring with certain traits.
Mutations
- Mutations can occur when mistakes happen during the formation of eggs and sperm.
- These mistakes can be passed on to the next generation.
- Types of mutations:
- Chromosome errors: chromalids do not separate properly, resulting in too many or too few chromosomes.
- DNA errors: base errors can be random or due to environmental factors.
- Types of DNA errors:
- Insertion
- Deletion
- Substitution
Sex Chromosomes
- Female sex chromosomes = XX
- Male sex chromosomes = XY
- The X chromosome can also carry genes referred to as sex-linked genes, such as the gene for color blindness.
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Description
Learn about the structure and function of DNA, the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms.
