Genetics Flashcards
What is a phenotype?
It is our genotype + environment
What is the main difference between somatic cells and gametes?
Somatic cells have a diploid number of chromosomes. Gametes have a haploid number of chromosomes
What is dominance/recessiveness?
Differences in the DNA code between alleles at the same locus may give rise to dominance or recessivness which couple with sex linkage, may give rise to simple modes of inheritance.
What is the law of segregation?
The two alleles for a heritable character segregate during gamete formation and end up in different gametes
What is the law of independent assortment?
Each pair alleles segregates independently of each other pair of alleles during gamete formation
What are the phases of mitotic divisions?
Growth 1 phase
S phase – genetical replication phase
Growth 2 pahse
Mitotic phase – PMAT
Cytokinesis
What is the process of meiosis?
Meiosis is a process which reduces the chromosome number so that each daughter cell has only one of each kind of chromosome. The process of meiosis ensures that the next generation will have:
- A diploid number of chromosomes
- A combination of traits that differs from that of either parent
What are the steps of meiosis?
- A cell exist with no DNA replication
- DNA replication occurs – sister chromatids are connected by the centromere
- Non-sister chromatids may exchange genetic material – this is called synapsis – or crossing-over
- Meiosis I occurs – the homologous pairs are separated
- Meiosis 2 occurs – sister chromatids are separated
- Result - 4 different cells with haploid number of chromosomes now exists
What is the key mechanistic difference between mitosis and meiosis?
Mitosis has 1 round of division, while meiosis has 2 rounds of division.
How does meiosis create genetic variation?
At meiosis I the separation of homologous pairs creates a segregation of different locuses into different gametes. The random assortment also occurs, as pairs may line up in different assortments thus creating different pattern of creating gametes. Both Mendel’s laws are dependent on the separation of homologous pairs during meiosis I.
Where does variation come from?
- Alteration, disruption or damage to the genetic material
- Ttanscription + alternative splicing
- Recombination during meiosis
- Fertilisation
- Epigenetic factors regulating gene expression
What are the 2 types of alterations?
- Somatic – only affects the host.
- Germline - may affect the offspring.
What causes of point mutations?
Causative agents – internal during process of replication and repair, chemical, ionizing radiation, viral.
What does the accumulation of point mutation cause?
The accumulation of point mutation may cause an alteration in protein structure.
What are some of the sources of chromosomal variation?
- Deletions/Insertions
- Amplification
- Translocation
- Aneuploidy
What are the three checkpoint in cell cycle?
- G1 prior to S
- During G2 prior to M phase
- At the end of M phase
Where does the exchange of genetic material occur during synapsis?
It occurs on non-sister chromatids.
What are the genetic and phenotypic outcomes from single gene segregation in pure breeding parents?
The potential traits of the offspring can be predicted.
What is the mendell’s law of segregation?
In a heterozygous organism the two different alleles will be separated during meiosis.