Lecture 1 Flashcards
Molecular Genetics
How gene sequence works
Transmission Genetics
Parent to offspring (inheritance)
Population Genetics
Allele distribution in a group of individuals
Forward genetics
Find a mutant in the wild, map gene, ID what gene does
Reverse genetics
Take any wildlife gene, create mutation, assess phenotypic changes
Model organisms include;
E.Coli, yeast, fruit flies, C.elegans, Zebrafish, Mice
What is the Central Dogma in Biology?
Nucleic acids contain sequence information which codes for functional products.
What does ΔF508 stand for?
Δ-deletion, F-phenylalanine, 508- 508th AA
What is a gene?
An organization of sequences which fall into two categories; Regulatory and Coding.
What is a protein?
Functional product of a gene
What is the nature of a gene?
Sequence info with specific components
What is the nature of a trait?
Carried out by a protein
How does DNA store info?
In the form of base pairs as a double helix
What is a chromosome?
A very long double helix. Bigger gene = more codons
Define locus
Each gene has a specific position on a chromosome
What is a polygenic trait?
A trait that relies on the input of multiple genes
What can studying a population show?
Changes in alleles
What features make an organism a great model?
Quick generation time, housing costs are low, food/media, space
What is Transgenics?
Inserting foreign DNA into host species.
What does PCR do?
Exploit the natural process of DNA replication
What is an allele?
One of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome.
