Inheritance, Recombination, and Mutation

Question 1

what determines phenotypes and Genotypes

Answer 1

Phenotype = Genotype + non genetic factors

Genotypes are determined by DNA/RNA nucleotide sequence

Question 2

What are haploids and diploids

Answer 2

For Haploids, there is only one set that determines genotype

For Diploids, there is 2 sets that jointly determine genotype

Question 3

what can phenotypic variations be based on in terms of genetic material

Answer 3

Phenotypic variation can be based on 1 gene, ie one locus

or multiple genes ie many loci

Question 4

How does the number of loci affect the character

Answer 4

One locus leads to two possible options (discontinuous variation)

ex either violet or white flowers

Multiple loci leads to many options (continuous variation)

like human height

Question 5

What is a Gene, a Locus, and an Allele

Answer 5

Gene = discreet unit of heredity

Locus = a hypothetical position of a gene

Allele = a variation in genes due to nucleotide differences

Question 6

What is Meiosis

Answer 6

different than mitosis cause each daughter has 1/2 the chromosomes and division results in non-identical daughter

Used for sexually reproducing eukaryotes

Question 7

what are the two stages of Meiosis

Answer 7

Meiosis 1: Genome doubles and chromosome recombines resulting in 2 normal but recombinant genomes

2x2n —> 2n

Meiosis 2: halving of each genome

4 x n

Question 8

what does mitosis vs Meiosis accomplish for an organism

Answer 8

In most eukaryotes, like us, a diploid zygote mitosises to make a whole person/animal/organism

the animal uses meiosis to make diploid eggs or sperm, which combines to make a zygote for the offspring
Meiosis leads to recombination which makes new genotypes

Question 9

What types of cells can do mitosis vs meiosis

Answer 9

Most cells are somatic and can only undergo mitosis

Germ cells can do Meiosis to make gametes

Question 10

How does natural selection essentially work

Answer 10

within a population there is variation in phenotypes, this variation means some individuals are better suited to their environment

These organisms have a better chance of reproducing

The successful organisms pass their genotypes to the next generation, leading to a higher frequency of the more successful phenotype

Question 11

What is unique about natural selection in terms of evolutionary forces

Answer 11

Natural selection is the only evolutionary force that results in adaptations

Question 12

define evolution

Answer 12

Evolution, the change in the average value of a trait in a population/species over time

Question 13

define adaptation

Answer 13

noun, that trait (value) or ability that confers higher fitness in a local environment

Verb, the process of evolutionary change due to natural selection: this leads to traits in a population becoming better suited to local conditions and the environment

Question 14

What are the four main components for a typical animal lifecycle

Answer 14

four main components for typical animal life

1. zygote (fusion of gametes)
2. mitosis (somatic growth)
3. meiosis (recombination)
4. Haploid phase (gametes produced

Question 15

What is the implication of the place where recombination occurs

Answer 15

since recombination doesn’t occur till meiosis, your mom’s chromosomes and dad’s don’t mix in most cells of your body. They are only fused in your germ cells which go to your kids

Question 16

Who contributes what to the zygote

Answer 16

While somatic cells are designed to die, cytoplasm and organelles from germ cells are passed to gametes, this comes from your mom

dad only gives nuclear material

Question 17

What are the three classes of mutation

Answer 17

Main classes of mutation

1. point mutation: 1 nucleotide changes
2. Altering gene number or position: insertion, deletion, or movement
3. duplication: gene is duplicated

Question 18

how can mutations affect fitness

Answer 18

Gene mutation is random, but it changes fitness which is acted upon by natural selection

Some mutations have negligible effects and are neutral

but most are negative

some are positive