Lecture 9a Flashcards
What are homologous genes?
Two or more genes derived from a common ancestor.
What is different about homologous genes between them?
They may have similar but distinct functions due to accumulation of genes.
What are paralogs?
Homologous genes within a single species.
What is an example of paralogs?
The globin genes, which encode subunits of proteins that bind oxygen.
How many globin gene paralogs are there? On how many chromosomes?
There are 14 paralogs on 3 different chromosomes.
What are the similar and different functions that different paralogs carry out?
1) All bind oxygen
2) Myglobin stores oxygen in muscle cells
3) Different globins are in the red blood cells at different developmental stages based on the oxygen needs of the developing individual.
What are the 3 different globin chromosomes that arose from the ancestral globin?
1) Myoglobins
2) Alpha chains (2)
3) Beta chains (2)
Where do the alpha and beta chains come from?
Hemoglobins
What is Copy Number Variation?
When sections of the chromosome are tandemly repeated. The number of repeats in the genome varies between individuals.
How much of the human genome is subject to copy number variations?
Approximately 5% of the human genome is subject to copy number variations.
What is this image showing?
Copy Number Variation
What is Cytogenetics?
The field of genetics involving microscopic examination of chromosomes from a cell or organism.
What 2 things does cytogenetics allow for?
1) The detection of individuals with abnormal chromosome number or structure.
2) Provides a way to distinguish between two closely-related species.
What is G-banding?
When chromosomes are exposed to the Giemsa dye. Some regions bind the dye heavily (darker bands) and some do not bind it well (lighter).
What is the dye binding in G-banding?
Proteins are being stained.
Why do we treat chromosomes with dye?
Many chromosomes have the same size and centromere position, so we can use dye to produce characteristic binding patterns.
Which has more bands: prometaphase or metaphase chromosomes?
Prometaphase, because they are not as condensed as metaphase and chromosomes condense as mitosis goes on.
Which are more condensed: anaphase or metaphase chromosomes? So, which has less bands?
Anaphase is more condensed, thus, it has less bands.
Besides banding pattern, how are chromosomes classified in cytogenetics?
Chromosomes are classified by their centromere position.