Genetics Flashcards
What is chromosomal aneuploidy
Cells have abnormal number of chromosomes (loss or gain of one or a few chromosomes relative to the diploid)
What is a karyotype and how is it done
An ordered, visual representation of the chromosomes in a cell
Done by taking a blood sample and treating it with mitogen, then colchicine, then stain
What is the purpose of using colchicine in making a karyotype
To stop the cell cycle at metaphase when the chromosomes are clearly visible
How is karyotype numbered
In order of decreasing size ie. 1 = largest chromosome
What are the 4 major types of chromosomes
Metacentric
Sub-metacentric
Acrocentric
Telocentric
Define metacentric chromosomes and give examples
Have centromeres in the centre of the chromosome, such that both sections have equal length
Chromosome 1,3 in group A
Define sub-metacentric chromosomes and give examples
Have centromeres located towards one end of chromosome resulting in asymmetry
Chromosomes 4-12, groups B,C
Define acrocentric chromosomes and give examples
Have centromeres located severely towards one end of chromosome leading to one very one and one very short section
Chromosomes 13,15 (group D), 21, 22 (group G)
Define telocentric chromosomes and give examples
Have centromeres located at the very end of the chromosome
Humans do not posses telocentric chromosomes but are found in other species such as mice
Define locus
location where a particular gene is found
Define allele
Alternative forms of a gene found at locus on a chromosome
Define gene
Sequence of DNA that produces a functional product found at a particular locus
Examples of aneuploidy in humans
Down syndrome Klinefelter syndrome Turner syndrome Patau syndrome Edwards syndrome
Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) - (4)
- Individual has 3 copies of chromosome 21 (1 extra copy)
- most common chromosomal defect
- occurs 1/750 live births
- can occur in other organisms
Major features of down syndrome (there is variability in features between individuals) - (5)
- broad flat face
- slanting eyes
- short nose
- deep fold/crease across centre of pam
- mental retardation
What factor contributes to 40% of all Down syndrome cases
mother >45
Klinefelter syndrome - cause and effects (3)
Cause XXY - extra copy of X chromosome Effects - affects male sexual development - slightly feminized physique - Testicular atrophy - breast development
Turner syndrome - cause and effect (5)
Cause XO - 1 normal X chromosome but the other chromosome is either missing or structurally altered Effects - affects female development - short stature - Webbed neck (extra folds in the neck) - poor breast development - low hairline at back of neck - constriction of aorta
Name the 2 common methods of prenatal diagnosis of aueuploidy
Amniocentesis
Chorionic Villus sampling
Amniocentesis - when can it be done and risk of miscarriage
Can be done 16-20 weeks into pregnancy
0.1% risk of miscarriage
Outline the process of Amniocentesis
Sample of Amniotic fluid is taken out of the amniotic cavity. This an be done due to fetal cells floating around in the cavity. The sample cells are grown up by cell culture and a sample of it is taken to look at the karyotype
Chorionic villus sampling - when can it be done and risk of miscarriage
Can be done 10-13 weeks into pregnancy
1% risk of miscarriage
Outline the process of Chorionic sampling
Sample of fetal cell is taken from chorionic villus to visualise karyotype