Genetics Flashcards
what is the ultimate goal of the study of genetics?
genetic improvement
what is the effect of genetic manipulation on dairy cows?
35% more milk with 65% fewer cows
what is the effect of genetic manipulation on swine?
improved feed efficiency
what is the effect of genetic manipulation on sheep?
4x more wool production
what is the effect of genetic manipulation on egg production?
from 15 eggs/yr with jungle fowl to 250 eggs/yr with white leghorns
what is the effect of genetic manipulation on broilers?
went from 12 wks to 56 days to mature
what is the effect of genetic manipulation on turkey?
AI is now required for reproduction due to selection for breast meat (white v. dark)
what is the effect of genetic manipulation on beef cows?
little change in production overall
what is the effect of genetic manipulation on horses?
no change in speed index in last 40 yrs, but through selection, genetic diseases are more prevalent
what is the effect of genetic manipulation on dogs and cats?
genetically tortured, very specific selection = lots of disorders and physiological problems
what is the equation for genetic phenotype?
P = G + E, phenotype = geneotype + environment
what three things control genotype?
genes, DNA, chromosomes
define gene
a DNA sequence on the chromosome that codes for a biologically important molecule
what does DNA stand for?
deoxyribose nucleic acid
define chromosome
one of a number of long stands of DNA and associated proteins present in the nucleus of every cell
how is gene expression determined in animals?
Mendelian genetics; dominant and recessive genes
AA equals?
A
Aa equals?
A
aa equals?
a
what is incomplete dominance? give an example
a mix of both dominant and recessive genes; shorthorn cattle roan coat color
what is the importance and heterozygous and homozygous?
both genes have a 50/50 shot of being passed on
what are the types of traits?
qualitative, simply inherited, and quantitative, polygenic
define qualitative traits
discrete classes, yes/no, black/red
define simply inherited traits, give an example
few genes control trait color
define quaNtitative traits, give examples
expression over a range, numbers; weight, height
define polygenic traits, give examples
many genes control trait; weight speed
which traits are easier to modify? give examples
qualitative/simply inherited; eye color, hair/coat color
which traits are more economically important? give examples
quantitative/polygenic; speed, weight, height, wool production, litter size, muscle, milk production, fertility, disease
what are the exceptions to the trait classifications?
pregnancy and dystocia, it’s a yes/no question that is determined by many factors
what are the two selection types for genetic change?
natural selection and artificial selection
define natural selection
environmental influence
describe artificial selection
human influence
does natural selection still exist?
yes, but it’s limited
what type of selection do mating systems fall under, and how many are there?
2, artificial selection
what are the two mating systems?
inbreeding and outbreeding
what is inbreeding?
mating individuals within a breed who are more related than average of population