MutationstheBasisofGenetics,GeneTransfer&GeneticAnalysisinBacteria,GeneticAnalysisofRegulatoryCircut Flashcards
What is a mutation?
A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of an organism.
True or False: All mutations are harmful.
False
What are the two main types of mutations?
Point mutations and frameshift mutations.
Fill in the blank: A mutation that results in a change in a single nucleotide is called a _______.
point mutation
What is the role of mutations in evolution?
Mutations provide the genetic variation that is essential for natural selection.
What is horizontal gene transfer?
Horizontal gene transfer is the transfer of genetic material between organisms in a manner other than traditional reproduction.
List the three main mechanisms of gene transfer in bacteria.
Transformation, transduction, and conjugation.
True or False: Transformation involves the uptake of naked DNA from the environment.
True
What is transduction?
Transduction is the process by which bacteriophages transfer DNA between bacteria.
Fill in the blank: Conjugation requires direct _______ between bacterial cells.
contact
What is a plasmid?
A plasmid is a small, circular piece of DNA that can replicate independently of chromosomal DNA.
How do plasmids contribute to antibiotic resistance?
Plasmids can carry genes that confer resistance to antibiotics, allowing bacteria to survive antibiotic treatment.
What is genetic analysis?
Genetic analysis involves studying the structure and function of genes to understand genetic variation and inheritance.
What is a regulatory circuit in genetics?
A regulatory circuit is a network of genes and their products that control gene expression.
True or False: Regulatory circuits only involve proteins.
False
What is the function of promoters in gene regulation?
Promoters are DNA sequences that initiate transcription of a gene.
Fill in the blank: _______ are proteins that bind to promoters to regulate gene expression.
Transcription factors
What is an operon?
An operon is a cluster of genes under the control of a single promoter, functioning together in a related process.
What role do repressors play in gene regulation?
Repressors are proteins that inhibit gene expression by binding to operators.
What is the significance of the lac operon?
The lac operon is a model for understanding gene regulation in prokaryotes, particularly in response to lactose.
True or False: All genes are expressed at all times.
False
What is the purpose of genetic markers?
Genetic markers are used to identify specific alleles or traits in genetic analysis.
What is the difference between genotype and phenotype?
Genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, while phenotype refers to the observable traits.
Fill in the blank: The _______ is the observable expression of a genotype.
phenotype