Inheritance of Characteristics and Genetic Engineering. Flashcards
What is inside each chromosome?
A DNA molecule.
What is DNA divided into?
Genes.
What are the chromosomes that determine that a baby is female?
XX
What are the chromosomes that determine that a baby is male?
XY
Are the X and Y chromosomes genetically identical?
No.
Are all gametes the same or different?
No.
What us a change in a chromosome or single gene called?
A mutation.
What do mutations in genes result in?
The loss of an enzyme which disrupts the cells chemical reactions, can lead to some genetic disorders.
What do genetic counsellors do?
They use their understanding of the mechanisms of inheritance to advise parents on the chances of a child being born with a genetic disorder.
How can characteristics be altered?
By lifestyle e.g. diet.
In sex-linked disorders, why is a male more likely to suffer from the genetic disorder than a female?
Because the female has a normal allele that will cancel out the recessive faulty allele, whereas males don’t.
What is down’s syndrome a example of?
A disorder due to the loss or duplication of part of or a whole chromosome.
What do genetic engineers do?
They investigate the causes of inherited diseases with the aim of providing cures. They also genetically modify bacteria to produce complex chemicals such as human hormones.
How can a human gene be transferred to a bacterial DNA? And why may a genetic engineer do this?
Using enzymes. To produce hormones such as insulin and vaccines
What experimental techniques are being developed to treat diseases such as cystic fibrosis?
Functional genes are transferred to human cells in gene therapy.
