Polymorphic DNA Markers

Question 1

What are amino acids?

Answer 1

Building blocks of proteins; 20 different types that combine to form proteins.

Question 2

What is the definition of proteins?

Answer 2

Large molecules made up of amino acid chains; crucial for cell structure and function.

Question 3

Define DNA.

Answer 3

Genetic material in living cells; contains instructions for development, functioning, and reproduction.

Question 4

What is RNA in molecular biology?

Answer 4

Another type of nucleic acid similar to DNA; involved in protein synthesis and cellular processes.

Question 5

Explain nucleotide.

Answer 5

Basic unit of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA); consists of sugar, phosphate, and a nitrogenous base.

Question 6

Define base in the context of DNA and RNA.

Answer 6

Nitrogenous compound forming the genetic code; adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine (DNA); adenine, uracil, cytosine, guanine (RNA).

Question 7

What is a mutation in DNA?

Answer 7

A change in the DNA sequence; can lead to trait variations and genetic disorders.

Question 8

What does the term “gene” mean?

Answer 8

A segment of DNA carrying instructions for building proteins or functional RNA molecules.

Question 9

Define independent assortment.

Answer 9

The random distribution of alleles for different genes during the formation of gametes.

Question 10

What is genotype?

Answer 10

An individual’s genetic makeup, including specific alleles for particular genes.

Question 11

Explain phenotype.

Answer 11

Observable characteristics determined by both genetic and environmental factors.

Question 12

What is an allele?

Answer 12

One of the alternative forms of a gene occupying a specific position on a chromosome.

Question 13

Define dominant allele.

Answer 13

An allele that determines the phenotype even if only one copy is present.

Question 14

Define recessive allele.

Answer 14

An allele expressed in the phenotype only when two copies are present.

Question 15

What is genetic recombination?

Answer 15

The process during meiosis where new combinations of genetic material are produced.

Question 16

Explain meiosis.

Answer 16

The process of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing gametes.

Question 17

What are germ-line mutations?

Answer 17

Mutations occurring in cells giving rise to eggs and sperm, passed on to offspring.

Question 18

Define genome.

Answer 18

The complete set of genetic material present in a cell or organism.

Question 19

What are genetic polymorphisms?

Answer 19

Naturally occurring genetic variations within a population.

Question 20

What are discrete traits?

Answer 20

Traits determined by a single gene or a small number of genes, showing distinct variations.

Question 21

Explain quantitative traits.

Answer 21

Traits influenced by multiple genes, showing a range of continuous variation.

Question 22

What do DNA exons code for?

Answer 22

DNA exons code for proteins.

Question 23

What is the definition of a mutation in germline?

Answer 23

Any change to the genomic sequence in germline cells.

Question 24

What are the base pairs in DNA?

Answer 24

G pairs with C; T pairs with A.

Question 25

Define transitions in molecular biology.

Answer 25

Mutation involving the replacement of one purine or pyrimidine with another of the same type.

Question 26

What are transversions?

Answer 26

Mutations involving the replacement of a purine with a pyrimidine or vice versa.

Question 27

Define bases in DNA and RNA.

Answer 27

A pairs with T, C pairs with G; purines (A, G) and pyrimidines (T, C) in DNA.

Question 28

What is the definition of point mutation?

Answer 28

Mutation involving the substitution of a single nucleotide.

Question 29

Explain DNA barcoding.

Answer 29

Using DNA markers to identify species present; e.g., in eDNA barcoding for conservation monitoring.

Question 30

What are some applications of DNA markers for ecologists?

Answer 30

Parentage analysis, DNA barcoding, identifying management units, estimating migration rates, and genetic diversity.

Question 31

Name currently popular neutral DNA markers for ecologists.

Answer 31

Sequences of mitochondrial genes (COI), Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), Sequences from nuclear genes (RUBISCO, rDNA), Microsatellites (STRs).

Question 32

How is modern DNA marker analysis conducted?

Answer 32

Collect tissue, extract DNA, PCR amplify target DNA, and determine genotypes using PCR assays or sequencing.

Question 33

What are the advantages of PCR assays in DNA marker analysis?

Answer 33

Genotyping small samples, easy extraction methods, and obtaining millions of target DNA copies.

Question 34

How can DNA markers be used for conservation monitoring?

Answer 34

Example: DNA barcoding to identify illegal capture of protected whale species, using portable PCR laboratories for on-site analysis.

Question 35

What is the significance of parentage analysis using microsatellites?

Answer 35

Identifying the biological father, often used in wildlife and conservation studies.

Question 36

How can DNA marker dispersal estimates be measured?

Answer 36

Using microsatellites and running PCR products on an automated machine, estimating migration along specific transects.

Question 37

What is the aim of the Northern abalone hatchery-outplanting project?

Answer 37

Conservation, education, and commercial sale for food; using captive breeding to augment the threatened wild population.

Question 38

How is genetic variation reduced in captive breeding programs?

Answer 38

Through genetic drift; demonstrated in the case of hatchery-outplanted abalone.

Question 39

What factors should be considered when choosing DNA markers for research projects?

Answer 39

Application-dependent factors such as mtDNA sequences for multiple species ID, nuclear DNA sequences for plant species ID, and SNPs or genome sequences for various analyses.

Question 40

Why are primer sets specific in DNA marker analysis?

Answer 40

Specific primer sets are used for the identification of a single species, useful when gene flow is high.

Question 41

What is the essence of knowing about neutral DNA markers for modern ecologists?

Answer 41

It is essential for various ecological applications, including understanding population structures, migration rates, and genetic diversity.

Question 42

What is the role of PCR-based methods in DNA marker analysis?

Answer 42

They require few cells, and the best technique depends on the specific application.