Intro To Genetics Flashcards
Alleles
Different versions of a gene (e.g., Tall (T) vs. Dwarf (t)).
The genetic makeup (e.g., TT, Tt, t
Genotype
The physical appearance (e.g., Tall, Dwarf).
Phenotype
Identical alleles (TT, rr).
Homozygous (purebred)
Heterozygous (hybrid)
Different alleles (Tt, Rr).
Expressed in the phenotype (Tt or TT = tall)
Dominant
Recessive
Only expressed when both alleles are recessive (tt = dwarf).
DNA consists of two strands forming a twisted ladder.
Double Helix Model
Nucleotide Components
Sugar-phosphate backbone.
Nitrogenous bases:
Adenine (A) pairs with Thymine (T).
Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G).
Humans have _____ chromosomes
22 pairs of autosomes (non-sex chromosomes).
1 pair of sex chromosomes (XX = female, XY = male).
Extra/missing chromosomes (e.g., Trisomy 21 causes Down syndrome).
Aneuploidy
Loss or gain of chromosome segments.
Deletion/Duplication
Law of Segregation
Each parent passes one allele per gene to offspring.
Gregor Mendel Law
Laws of Inheritance
a law that has Different traits are inherited independently (e.g., height doesn’t affect eye color).
Law of Independent Assortment:
a law that has Dominant traits mask recessive ones.
Law of Dominance:
DNA → mRNA (messenger RNA)
Transcription
mRNA → Protein (via ribosomes and tRNA).
Translation
Epigenetics
Environmental factors like diet, stress, and toxins can modify gene activity without changing DNA sequences.
Random changes in DNA that can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful.
Mutation
Mixing of genetic material during sexual reproduction increases variation.
Genetic Recombination
Evolutionary Adaptation
Over generations, populations evolve traits suited to their environment.
Example: People living in high-altitude areas develop adaptations for oxygen efficiency.
Genetic Testing
Identifies inherited diseases (e.g., BRCA gene for breast cancer).
Replacing faulty genes to treat genetic disorders (e.g., cystic fibrosis).
Gene Therapy
Tailoring treatments based on genetic profiles (e.g., cancer therapy).
Personalized Medicine
Used for solving crimes, identifying remains, and paternity testing.
DNA Fingerprinting
Crops modified for better yield, pest resistance, and nutrition (e.g., Golden Rice).
GMO
Genetic Privacy
Should employers and insurance companies access genetic data?
Designer Babies:
Should we edit genes to enhance intelligence or physical traits?
Cloning & Stem Cell Research
Should scientists be allowed to clone humans?
Genetic Testing & Discrimination:
Could genetic testing lead to stigma and unfair treatment?
The Human Genome Project (HGP)
Completed in 2003, the HGP mapped all human genes (~25,000).
TRUE OR FALSE: Humans share 99.9% of DNA with each other.
TRUE
TRUE OR FALSE:
Only 2-6% of DNA codes for proteins; the rest plays regulatory roles.
FALSE
Only 1-2% of DNA codes for proteins; the rest plays regulatory roles.
TRUE OR FALSE: HGP helped identify genetic links to disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Advanced research on gene-environment interactions.
TRUE
Nature vs. Nurture Debate
How much of personality, intelligence, and behavior is genetic vs. shaped by environment?
Studies the genetic basis of mental disorders (e.g., depression, ADHD).
Psychogenetics
Epigenetics in Psychology
Stress, trauma, and lifestyle can alter gene expression, affecting mental health.
TRUE OR FALSE: Genetics influences everything from physical traits to disease risks and behavior.
TRUE
TRUE OR FALSE: Ethical concerns could be chosen not to be addressed, but if science can have a breakthrough, it can be flexible
FALSE:
Ethical concerns must be addressed as genetic technologies advance.
