Intro to Genetics Flashcards
Gene function
Operational Function: a gene is a stretch of DNA that contains information encoding a gene product (usually an RNA and a protein)
Transmission Function: a gene carries information from one generation to the next or from parental to daughter cells.
Genome
The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.
+ (Plus) strand / Positive sense
- (Minus) strand / Negative (anti) sense
+ Strand can be directly translated into protein.
- Strand must be copied to be translatable
(Most viruses, eg. COVID, are + strand)
Human DNA is:
Double stranded DNA, linear and circular (mitochondrial DNA), segmented
COVID-19 is:
Single stranded RNA, linear, unsegmented, + strand
Genomics
The study/cataloging of entire genomes
Transcriptomics
The quantification/cataloging of all RNAs in a sample
Proteomics
The quantification/cataloging of all proteins in a sample
Advantages and disadvantages of forward genetics
Advantage:
Unbiased and extremely powerful, because you can identify genes nobody has ever linked to the biological process you are studying (approach finds the “unknown unknowns”…)
Disadvantage:
Slow, identifying mutated gene can be tricky
Advantages and disadvantages of reverse genetics
Advantage:
Extremely specific and versatile, allows you to manipulate genes with high precision
Disadvantage:
Biased (tests the known unknowns). You may waste your time: The gene you “knocked out” or modified may not have an obvious phenotype. Tests usually only a single gene at a time
Forward genetics
Identifies genes with hitherto unknown functions in known processes
Reverse genetics
Studies a known gene in a known or unknown process
Transcriptomics
Studies genome-wide responses to different conditions
Transmission/hereditary genetics
Studies how traits are passed from one generation to the next (gene transmission). This branch of genetics focuses on how individuals acquire its genetic makeup and how it passes its genes to the next generation
Population genetics
Studies how the genetic composition of populations change geographically and over time (similar to the study of evolution)
Molecular genetics
Studies how genetic information is encoded, replicated, and expressed. Study of the gene’s structure, organization, and function
Model genetic organism
An organism with a biological system that is representative of the same system in other organisms. Discoveries made in the model genetic organism should provide insight into the workings of other organisms
Pangenesis
Genetic information travels from different parts of the body, where the genetic information is localized, to the reproductive organs - incorrect
Inheritance of acquired characteristics
Acquired traits become part of one’s genetic information and can be passed on - incorrect
Preformationism
The egg or sperm contains a fully formed miniature adult, therefore genetic information is only acquired from one parent - incorrect
Germ-plasm theory
All cells contain a complete set of genetic information - correct
Blended inheritance
Genes blend/mix - incorrect
Cell theory
Living organisms are composed of cells, cells are the fundamental unit of structure and function in living organisms, and all cells come from pre-existing cells - correct
Mendelian inheritance (Gregor Mendel)
Traits are passed from one generation to the next as specified by certain principles - the laws of dominance, segregation, and independent assortment
