Exam 1: Lecture 1

Question 1

define genetics

Answer 1

it is considered a field of biology, but has many overlaps. it studies genes, heredity, and genetic variation in living organisms

Question 2

define molecular genetics

Answer 2

studies the structure and function of genes at a molecular level. through this study, it is possible to gain insight to heredity, genetic variation, epigenetics and mutations

Question 3

what is albinism

Answer 3

change/defect in 1 or more genes involved in pigment formation; do not make much pigment

Question 4

define recessive

Answer 4

inherit a non-functional gene from mom and dad

Question 5

why is genetics important to indivs, society, and the study of bio?

Answer 5

genes INFLUENCE our lives, CONTRIBUTE to personality, and are FUNDAMENTAL to who and what we are

Question 6

how does genes affect our susceptibility to many diseases and disorders?

Answer 6

single mutations can cause proper control of differential to be hindered and a normal cell can turn into a cancer cell from an oncogene mutates and becomes inappropriately activated

Question 7

why are genes important in agriculture?

Answer 7

human cultural evolution; develop high yield crops (domesticated)

Question 8

why are genes important in biotechnology and medicine?

Answer 8

1. avenues like genetic screening open up to detect genetic defects
2. genetic engineering alters genetic sequence for heritable changes (gene editing/germline editing)
3. medicine via gene therapy to treat inherited diseases

Question 9

what are the non germline editing techniques?

Answer 9

CRISPR and CAR-T therapy

Question 10

T/F: genes regulate development and control cellular differentiation

Answer 10

True; protein engrailed

Question 11

define genome

Answer 11

can be DNA/RNA; contains all the info and instructions to make any organism. Very similar among organisms.

makes me who I am

Question 12

define transmission genetics

Answer 12

classical genetics, how traits are passed from one generation to the next

Question 13

define molecular genetics

Answer 13

gene structure, function and regulation

Question 14

define population genetics

Answer 14

study of evolution

study genetic compositions of groups and how gene frequency changes geographically or with time

Question 15

define epidemiology

Answer 15

analysis of patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations

Question 16

define a model genetic organism and give examples

Answer 16

an organism with characteristics that make them ideal for genetic analysis
ex: drosphila, E. coli, C. elegans, Arabidopsis, Mus musculus, Yeast, and zebrafish

Question 17

what are the less known model organisms?

Answer 17

maize, xenopus, dogs, pigs, and sheep

Question 18

why are model organisms important?

Answer 18

• short generation time (days/weeks)
• numerous progeny (greater combination of genetic components)
• make genetic manipulations (crosses)
• inexpensive
• numerous genetic variation

Question 19

what is the critical reason why we use model organisms?

Answer 19

critical that we share a common genetic history/component. basic biological similarity among all living things; can tell us about ourselves

Question 20

what are drosophila important for?

Answer 20

studying the regulation of development (Wnt and Notch networks)

Question 21

why are mouse genomes useful for?

Answer 21

we can modify their genome to make it a better model to study human biology

Question 22

why is important to not of the C. elegans?

Answer 22

it was the first multicellular organism to have its whole genome sequenced

Question 23

what are zebrafish useful for?

Answer 23

instrumental in helping to identify genes encoding pigmentation differences among humans

Question 24

what is good about Arabidopsis plant?

Answer 24

similar to fruit flies; can easily manipulate.

Question 25

E. coli and Saccharomyces are good in doing what?

Answer 25

performing work, workhorse

Question 26

when was figs and trees domesticated?

Answer 26

around 9000 BC

Question 27

when were dogs domesticated?

Answer 27

around 14-30,000 BC

Question 28

ancient jewish writing illustrated…

Answer 28

understanding of the genetics of hemophilia

Question 29

ancient greek writing illustrated…

Answer 29

theories of inheritance

Question 30

what is the preformationists theory?

Answer 30

miniature organism resides in sex cells, and all traits are inherited from one parent

Question 31

what is blending inheritance? and why is it wrong?

Answer 31

genes blend and mix; if everything goes down the middle? how do we still get outliers?

Question 32

what is the inheritance of acquired characteristics?

Answer 32

acquired traits become incorporated into hereditary information ex giraffes and their neck length; discredited but described today as epigenetics

Question 33

what is the pangenesis theory?

Answer 33

genetic information travels from diff parts of the body to reproductive organs where it is then transferred to the gametes

Question 34

what is the germ plasm theory?

Answer 34

all cells contain a complete set of genetic information (correct)

Question 35

mendel

Answer 35

principles of heredity

Question 36

schleiden and schwann

Answer 36

cell theory

Question 37

flemming

Answer 37

chromosomes

Question 38

darwin

Answer 38

evolution

Question 39

weismann

Answer 39

germ-plasm theory

Question 40

sutton

Answer 40

genes are located on chromosomes