Science Core A T1 Flashcards
Define genetics
Genetics is the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in organisms.
Describe what a geneticist does
Studies genes, heredity, and how traits are passed down, often focusing on diagnosing, managing, and researching genetic conditions or disorders
Recall basic animal cell structure
A basic animal cell structure includes a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, ribosomes, mitochondria, and other organelles, all of which are essential for the cell’s function and survival.
Describe the Watson and Crick model of DNA
The Watson and Crick model of DNA describes it as a double-stranded, helical structure, with two strands twisted around each other, forming a double helix, where the two strands are held together by hydrogen bonds between specific pairs of nitrogenous bases (A-T and C-G)
Recall that the bonding rule for nucleotides is always G:C and A:T
Adenine always bonds with thymine, and cytosine always bonds with guanine
Outline the main stages of mitosis
Mitosis, the process of cell division, involves five main stages: Interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, with cytokinesis (cell division) occurring after telophase.
Outline the main causes for mutations (
Mutations, or changes in DNA sequences, can arise from both spontaneous errors during DNA replication or from exposure to external factors like radiation or chemicals, known as mutagens.
Describe the 3 types of DNA mutation
The three main types of DNA mutations are substitutions, where one nucleotide is replaced by another; insertions, where extra nucleotides are added; and deletions, where nucleotides are removed.
Define inheritance
the passing of genetic traits or characteristics from parents to offspring, typically through the transmission of DNA or genes.
Outline Mendel’s experiments with pea plants
In 1856, Gregor Mendel began his famous experiments with pea plants, focusing on seven distinct traits like plant height, flower color, and seed shape, to understand how traits are inherited, laying the foundation for modern genetics.
describe the results and conclusions drawn from Mendel’s experiments
Mendel’s experiments with pea plants revealed that traits are inherited through discrete units (now known as genes) that come in pairs, with one from each parent, and these units can be dominant or recessive.
Define the terms: heterozygous, homozygous, genotype, phenotype
In genetics, heterozygous means having two different alleles for a trait, homozygous means having two identical alleles, genotype refers to an organism’s genetic makeup, and phenotype describes the observable traits.
Define the terms dominant allele and recessive allele
In genetics, a dominant allele masks the expression of a recessive allele, meaning its trait will be expressed even if only one copy is present, while a recessive allele only shows its trait if two copies are present.
Describe the benefits and issues of genetic engineering use
Benefits:
Increased Crop Yields and Reduced Costs:
GMOs can lead to higher crop yields, potentially addressing global food security challenges and reducing food costs.
Enhanced Nutritional Value:
GMOs can be engineered to have increased levels of vitamins and minerals, improving the nutritional content of food.
Potential Issues:
Environmental Concerns:
Outcrossing and Genetic Contamination: Genes from GMOs can potentially spread to wild relatives, leading to the creation of “superweeds” or other unintended consequences.
Allergic Reactions: There are concerns that GMOs could trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.
Describe the benefits and ethical concerns of using biotechnology in medicine using the production of human insulin and IFV as examples
For insulin, issues of access and affordability, especially in low-income regions, arise. For IVF, concerns include the potential for “designer babies,” the ethical status of unused embryos
