Genetics Flashcards
What is a mutation?
A mutation is a source of new genetic variation that can occur during DNA replication. Mutations result in a permanent change in the genetic information of an organism. Mutations can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful.
What is natural selection?
Natural selection is the process by which characteristics of a population change over many generations as organisms with favourable traits survive and reproduce, passing traits onto offspring. Natural selection favours traits that make an organism better suited to its environment. Natural selection may lead to the formation of a new species. Must be genetic variation within a species for natural selection to occur.
How do mutations relate to natural selection?
Mutations cause genetic variation and there must be genetic variation within a species for natural selection to occur. In natural selection, genetic mutations/desirable traits that are beneficial to an organism’s survival are passed on to future generations. This results in a new generation of organisms that are more likely to survive and reproduce.
Identify and describe mutagens + carcinogens.
Mutagen is a substance or event that increases the rate of mutation. Mutagens can be either physical or chemical. Physical mutagens cause a physical change in DNA (x-rays, UV radiation). Chemical mutagens chemically react with DNA (gas fumes, nitrites). A type of mutagen is a Carcinogen –> is a substance or agent that causes cancer (tobacco, UV radiation).
What are adaption and selective advantage?
A change or process that improves an organism’s chance of survival in its environment to produce. Variation provides an advantage to one of the offspring and the others will not pass on their genes. Organisms that have an advantageous mutation may survive better in a changing environment.
How are adaptions and selective advantage related to natural selection?
Individuals with adaptive traits—traits that give them some advantage—are more likely to survive and reproduce. These individuals then pass the adaptive traits on to their offspring. Over time, these advantageous traits become more common in the population.
What is artificial selection?
Artificial selection is selective pressure exerted by humans on populations in order to improve or modify desirable traits. Humans select desirable characteristics in organisms to be passed on to the next generation.
How do humans select desirable traits in artificial selection?
Artificial selection is the process by which humans choose individual organisms with desirable traits to breed.
Cross-breeding: Individuals of different breeds or lines are used to mate.
Pure breeding: The same breed or lines are used to mate.
Inbreeding: Two close relatives mate. The closer the relation, the higher the inbreeding.
What is Gene Cloning?
Manipulating DNA to produce multiple copies of a gene or another segment of DNA in foreign cells. Gene cloning is used to mass-produce proteins.
Steps in cloning a gene:
“IT”S COMPLICATED!”
- Choose a vector to be used as a carrier of the DNA to be cloned (i.e., plasmid)
- A plasmid is a small, circular piece of DNA in a bacterial cell.
- Insert a segment of DNA to clone into the vector.
- This DNA molecule that has genetic material from a different source is called recombinant DNA.
- Introduce the recombinant DNA into foreign cells through transformation.
- Once inside the foreign cells, multiple copies of the cloned gene will be made.
What is Gene Therapy?
An experimental treatment to cure genetic disorders that involve inserting a healthy, normal form of a gene into the cells of tissues that are affected by a disorder.
Some people have experienced negative effects with gene therapy, Safer procedures need to be developed.
What are transgenic organisms?
Organisms that have foreign DNA from a different species inserted into them. These are types of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
What do you think of GMOs? What are the benefits? What are the risks?
Personally, I think GMOs can beneficial as well as harmful in different circumstances.
Benefits: GMOs can enhance nutrition, for example, Golden rice is a great solution to malnutrition and increases levels of vitamin A and iron intake. As well, GMOs can enhance the production of food and can make food resistant to herbicides, pests, fungi, and viruses. Reduce climate change.
Risks: There could be possible environmental concerns and effects on human health. People are still very unaware they’re consuming genetically modified foods which can cause serious health issues.
What are a few ethical considerations of biotechnology?
Environmental threats include:
- The use of herbicide-resistant plants can lead to the use of stronger herbicides that will leak into the soil and water systems.
- Genes can cross with other species.
- GMOs may out-compete species in the wild.
Health effects include:
- The long-term of GMOs are not known and may produce allergic reactions.
- People are still very unaware they’re consuming genetically modified foods which can cause serious health issues.
Social and economic issues include:
- A lot of money is spent on genetic research.
- Private companies have too much say over the global food market.
- Ethics behind humans using other species for their own benefit.
What is artificial insemination?
A process that involves collecting and concentrating sperm, and then placing it in the female’s uterus.
