Chapter 1 Flashcards
genome
Complete set of genetic instructions for an organism.
transmission genetics
Field of genetics that encompasses the basic principles of genetics and how traits are inherited.
molecular genetics
Study of the chemical nature of genetic information and how it is encoded, replicated, and expressed.
population genetics
Study of the genetic composition of populations (groups of members of the same species) and how a population’s collective group of genes changes with the passage of time.
model genetic organism
An organism that is widely used in genetic studies because it has characteristics, such as short generation time and large numbers of progeny, that make it particularly useful for genetic analysis.
pangenesis
Early concept of heredity proposing that particles carry genetic information from different parts of the body to the reproductive organs.
inheritance of acquired characteristics
Early notion of inheritance proposing that acquired traits are passed to descendants.
preformationism
Early concept of inheritance proposing that a miniature adult (homunculus) resides in either the egg or the sperm and increases in size in development, with all traits being inherited from the parent that contributes the homunculus.
blending inheritance
Early concept of heredity proposing that offspring possess a mixture of the traits from both parents.
cell theory
States that all life is composed of cells, that cells arise only from other cells, and that the cell is the fundamental unit of structure and function in living organisms.
germ-plasm theory
States that cells in the reproductive organs carry a complete set of genetic information.
What is the relation between genetics and evolution?
evolution = genetic change over time;
for evolution to occur, genetic variation must happen first, then over time the proportions of genetics variation changes.
*genetic variation is the basis for evolutionary change
For the following genetic topic, indicate whether it focuses on transmission genetics, molecular genetics, or population genetics.
a. Analysis of pedigrees to determine the probability of someone inheriting a trait
transmission genetics
For the following genetic topic, indicate whether it focuses on transmission genetics, molecular genetics, or population genetics.
b. Study of people on a small island to determine why a genetic form of asthma is prevalent on the island
population genetics
For the following genetic topic, indicate whether it focuses on transmission genetics, molecular genetics, or population genetics.
c. Effect of nonrandom mating on the distribution of genotypes among a group of animals
population genetics
For the following genetic topic, indicate whether it focuses on transmission genetics, molecular genetics, or population genetics.
d. Examination of the nucleotide sequences found at the ends of chromosomes
molecular genetics
For the following genetic topic, indicate whether it focuses on transmission genetics, molecular genetics, or population genetics.
e. Mechanisms that ensure a high degree of accuracy in DNA replication
molecular genetics
For the following genetic topic, indicate whether it focuses on transmission genetics, molecular genetics, or population genetics.
f. Study of how the inheritance of traits encoded by genes on sex chromosomes (sex-linked traits) differs from the inheritance of traits encoded by genes on non-sex chromosomes (autosomal traits)
transmission genetics
Compare and contrast the following terms:
eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
BOTH:
- have lipid bilayer membranes
- have DNA genomes
- have machinery for DNA replication/transcription/translation
- have energy metabolism
- have response to stimuli
- have growth/reproduction
DIFFERENT:
-eukaryotic cells have a nucleus containing chromosomal DNA and possess internal membrane-bound organelles
Compare and contrast the following terms:
gene and allele
gene- basic unit of hereditary information, usually encoding a functional RNA or polypeptide
allele- variant forms of a gene, arising through mutation
Compare and contrast the following terms:
genotype and phenotype
genotype- set of genes or alleles inherited by an organism from its parents
phenotype- the expression of genes of a particular genotype (observable traits)
Compare and contrast the following terms:
DNA and RNA
BOTH: nucleic acid polymers
RNA:
- contains ribose sugar
- uracil, adenine, guanine, cytosine
- single stranded
DNA:
- contains deoxyribose sugar
- thymine, adenine, guanine, cytosine
- double stranded
Compare and contrast the following terms:
DNA and chromosome
chromosomes- structures consisting of DNA and associated proteins
DNA- contains genetic information
Suppose that life exists elsewhere in the universe. All life must contain some type of genetic information, but alien genomes might not consist of nucleic acids and have the same features as those found in the genomes of life on Earth.
What might be the common features of all genomes, no matter where they exist?
- all genomes must have the ability to store complex information ad to vary
- blueprint for entire organism must be contained within the genome of each reproductive cell
- genetic material of any organism must be stable, be replicated precisely, and must be capable of mutating
