17.3 Genetics and Society

Question 1

Why was Canola created?

Answer 1

Because scientists wanted to find an oil that had low levels of a toxin so they selectively bred it until possible

Question 2

What is Pedigree?

Answer 2

A type of flowchart that uses symbols to show the patterns of relationships and traits in a family over many generations

Question 3

What does a square mean on a pedigree?

Answer 3

Male

Question 4

What does a circle mean on a pedigree?

Answer 4

Female

Question 5

What does a line between a square and a circle mean on a pedigree?

Answer 5

Mating

Question 6

What does two lines between a square and a circle mean on a pedigree?

Answer 6

Mating between close relatives

Question 7

What are Autosomes?

Answer 7

Any chromosomes other than the sex chromosomes

Question 8

What is Autosomal Inheritance?

Answer 8

Traits -dominant and recessive- that are coded for by genes on autosomes

Question 9

What is Polydactyly?

Answer 9

Extra toes or fingers. The condition is dominant

Question 10

What is Huntington’s disease?

Answer 10

A deadly condition where the brain deteriorates over a period of 15 years

Question 11

What are symptoms of Huntington’s disease?

Answer 11

Irritability, memory loss, along with involuntary muscle movements

Question 12

What is Huntington’s disease in terms of genetics?

Answer 12

Dominant

Question 13

What is Marfan Syndrome?

Answer 13

An autosomal dominant condition that affects the connective tissues

Question 14

What are the symptoms of Marfan Syndrome?

Answer 14

Long bones, eye problems, faulty heart valves, and respiratory problems

Question 15

What is PKU?

Answer 15

An autosomal recessive gene that affects the development of the nervous system

Question 16

What causes PKU?

Answer 16

An enzyme that converts phenylalanine to tyrosine is defective or absent causing high levels of phenylalanine to convert phenylpyruvic acid, which builds up toxic levels

Question 17

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Answer 17

An autosomal recessive trait that causes a build up thick mucus in the lungs and digestive system

Question 18

What does a circle with a dot in it mean?

Answer 18

Known carrier of a X-linked recessive trait

Question 19

What is Hemophilia?

Answer 19

A condition that affects the body’s ability to produce proteins involved with blood clotting

Question 20

Which gene is muscular dystrophy linked to?

Answer 20

X chromosomes

Question 21

What causes Muscular dystrophy?

Answer 21

People cannot manufacture the muscle protein dystrophin and as a result, their muscles weaken and degenerate over time

Question 22

What is Retinoblastoma?

Answer 22

Tumor development on the retina of young children which is usually fatal

Question 23

What is Prader William syndrome?

Answer 23

A developmental disorder causing decreased muscle tone, short stature and insatiable appetite

Question 24

What is Alpha Thalassemia?

Answer 24

A condition in which defective hemoglobin binds with oxygen poorly

Question 25

What is Niemann-Pick disease

Answer 25

Inability to break down three amino acids, causing accumulation of byproducts and nerve degeneration

Question 26

What is Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)

Answer 26

A deficiency in one enzyme, resulting in minimal immune response and susceptibility to all diseases

Question 27

What is Genetic Screening?

Answer 27

Chromosome mapping that helps to identify people who are at risk of developing particular conditions

Question 28

What do Genetic Counsellors do?

Answer 28

Estimate the risk of inheriting a particular genetic condition