Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Marine Ecotoxicology > Milan Exam > Flashcards

Milan Exam Flashcards

1
Q

What is a key advantage of eDNA collection?

A

Non-invasive and Eco-friendly

eDNA collection does not disturb ecosystems and avoids harming organisms, especially important for monitoring endangered species.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What can a single water sample in eDNA analysis detect?

A

A wide range of aquatic species

This includes rare, elusive, or cryptic species.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How does eDNA demonstrate high sensitivity?

A

Allows for detection of species even at low abundance

This makes it suitable for early identification of changes in biodiversity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What makes eDNA collection cost and time efficient?

A

Faster than traditional survey methods

It reduces fieldwork efforts compared to methods like trawling or visual observation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is a challenge associated with quantifying eDNA?

A

Cannot reliably estimate species density or biomass

This is due to varying DNA persistence and dilution in natural environments.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What limitation does eDNA have regarding species-specific information?

A
  • Provides presence/absence data only
  • cannot determine life stages, demographic structures, or reproductive status

It cannot determine life stages, demographic structures, or reproductive status.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Why does eDNA analysis depend on databases?

A

Accurate identification relies on comprehensive DNA reference databases

Missing data can hinder species-level identification.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What environmental factors can impact the detectability of eDNA?

A

Water temperature, pH, and microbial activity can degrade DNA

These factors can degrade eDNA, affecting its detectability.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the purpose of transcriptomic analyses in genetic studies?

A
  • To compare gene expression profiles
  • Identifies all genes impacted by pollutants.

This helps identify stress responses and adaptive mechanisms.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What techniques are used in transcriptomic analyses?

A

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq)

It identifies up- or down-regulated genes linked to pollutant stress.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What markers are used in population genetics to assess genetic diversity?

A

SNPs and microsatellites

These help detect selective pressure and adaptation to pollutants.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What can allele frequency changes indicate in population genetics?

A

Adaptation or reduced genetic diversity

This can result from pollution stress.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is Gene Set Enrichment (GSE) used for?

A
  • In Gene Set Enrichment (GSE) analysis, we are discussing pathways responding to pollutants
  • GSE focuses on identifying molecular pathways or biological processes that show differential gene expression when organisms are exposed to pollutants or environmental stressors.
  • This response can indicate how organisms are coping with, detoxifying, or being impacted by the pollutants.
  • e.g. pathways like xenobiotic metabolism or apoptosis being regulated in response to pollution.
  • are pathways up- or down-regulated?

Pathways involved in xenobiotic metabolism or apoptosis might show significant differences.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What does whole-genome sequencing detect in polluted environments?

A

Outlier loci under selection pressure

This is useful for understanding convergent evolution in tolerant populations.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What do functional approaches in genetic studies target?

A
  • Investigates the specific functional impact of a pollutant on pathways or biological systems.
  • Determining the role of AHR pathway genes in pollutant response or examining SNPs linked to resistance genes

An example is the AHR (Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor) pathways.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the main advantage of eDNA in terms of ecosystem impact?

A

eDNA is non-invasive and eco-friendly, avoiding harm to organisms and ecosystems during collection

eDNA minimizes disturbance in natural habitats

17
Q

How does eDNA help in assessing biodiversity?

A

A single water sample can detect a wide range of aquatic species, including rare, elusive, and cryptic species

This is crucial for monitoring ecosystem health

18
Q

Why is eDNA considered time- and cost-efficient?

A

eDNA reduces fieldwork time and effort compared to traditional methods like trawling or visual observation, making it more economical

It allows researchers to cover larger areas with less resource investment

19
Q

How sensitive is eDNA in detecting species?

A

eDNA can detect species at low abundance, enabling early detection of biodiversity changes

This sensitivity is vital for conservation efforts

20
Q

What are the challenges of quantifying species with eDNA?

A

eDNA struggles to reliably estimate species density or biomass due to DNA persistence and dilution in the environment

This limitation can affect ecological assessments

21
Q

What species-specific information does eDNA fail to provide?

A

eDNA does not reveal life stages, demographic structure, reproductive status, or population health

Understanding these factors is important for population management

22
Q

Why is the availability of DNA databases important for eDNA?

A

Accurate identification relies on comprehensive DNA reference databases. Missing or incomplete data can hinder species-level identification

Robust databases are crucial for effective application of eDNA techniques

23
Q

How do environmental factors impact eDNA detection?

A

Factors like temperature, pH, and microbial activity degrade eDNA, reducing its detectability

This degradation can influence study results and interpretations

24
Q

What is the purpose of transcriptomic analyses in pollution studies?

A

To compare gene expression profiles and identify stress responses or adaptive mechanisms to pollutants

This helps in understanding how organisms respond to environmental changes

25
Q

What specific stress-response pathways can be identified through transcriptomics?

A
  • Oxidative stress
  • apoptosis
  • detoxification
  • DNA repair pathways

Identifying these pathways aids in assessing organism health

26
Q

What technique is commonly used in transcriptomic analyses?

A

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) identifies up- or down-regulated genes linked to pollution stress

RNA-seq provides a comprehensive view of gene expression changes

27
Q

What molecular markers are used to assess genetic diversity between populations?

A

SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) and microsatellites

These markers are essential for understanding population structure and dynamics

28
Q

How can genetic markers indicate adaptation to pollution?

A

Markers like SNPs reveal allele frequency changes and selective pressures indicating adaptive evolution

This information is crucial for predicting population responses to environmental stressors

29
Q

What are some applications of microsatellites in polluted site studies?

A

Microsatellites help detect

  • genetic bottlenecks
  • inbreeding levels
  • geographic differentiation

These applications provide insights into the genetic health of populations

30
Q

What is the purpose of enrichment analysis in pollution genetics?

A

To identify molecular pathways disrupted by pollutants and understand biological processes like xenobiotic metabolism and apoptosis

This analysis helps link genetic data to ecological impacts

31
Q

What is a key advantage of GSE in studying gene regulation?

A

GSE summarizes signals from multiple genes to define if pathways are differentially regulated between polluted and clean sites

This provides a broader understanding of gene interactions

32
Q

What does whole-genome sequencing reveal about pollution adaptation?

A

It detects outlier loci under selection pressure, such as genes enabling pollutant tolerance

Identifying these loci helps in understanding evolutionary responses

33
Q

What genes are commonly targeted in functional pollution studies?

A
  • AHR-genes (Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor)
  • involved in pollutant response pathways
  • they provide insights into mechanisms of toxicity
34
Q

What does low genetic differentiation (FST) between tolerant and sensitive populations suggest?

A

Tolerant populations are recently and independently derived from local gene pools

This indicates recent adaptation to environmental stressors

35
Q

What does convergent evolution indicate in polluted-site populations?

A

Selection on similar genes across distinct populations suggests shared adaptive pathways

This phenomenon highlights how different populations can evolve similar traits in response to similar pressures

36
Q
A

Marine Ecotoxicology (6 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions