Test 2 Flashcards
What is genetics?
A branch of biology that deals with the transmission and variation of inherited characteristics, in particular chromosomes and DNA.
Why is DNA important?
DNA encodes the proteins responsible for our features. It also codes for enzymes (also proteins) responsible for all the reaction in our body.
What shapes us? Nurture or nature?
Both
What are chromatins?
DNA is organized along with proteins into a material called chromatin.
What are chromosomes?
-As a cell prepares to divide, the stringy, entangled chromatin coils up (condenses) becoming thick enough to be discerned as separate structures called chromosomes.
-A chromosomes is formed from a single DNA molecule that contains many genes.
When are chromosomes visible?
When the cell is in the process of dividing.
What is a gene?
-It is a segment of DNA that controls a hereditary characteristic. Genes are arranged in a fixed sequence along the chromosome.
-Segment of DNA located a specific on a specific chromosome that contains information for producing a particular protein (polypeptide)
How many chromosomes do humans have?
46 chromosomes (23 pairs)
What are autosomes?
All chromosomes except sex chromosomes
What do sex chromosomes do?
They determine someone’s gender
How many autosomes do we have?
22 pairs
What is a homologous pair?
In a homologous pair of chromosomes, each member carries genes for the same traits. One member of each pair was inherited from the mother, and the other from the father.
What are alleles?
An allele is an alternative form of gene located on a specific site of a specific chromosome. One allele is inherited from the mother, and the other from the father.
What is an homozygous pair of chromosomes?
When the pair of alleles on each homologous chromosome codes for the same version of the gene, the person is said to be homozygous for that trait.
What is an heterozygous pair of chromosomes?
When the pair of alleles on each homologous chromosome codes for the different version of the gene, the person is said to be heterozygous for that trait.
What is a dominant allele?
A dominant allele is observed as a trait in a heterozygous individual.
What is a recessive allele?
A recessive allele is only observed in a homozygous individual, it cannot be observed as a trait in a heterozygous.
What is a genotype?
A set of alleles
What is a phenotype?
Observable physical trait(s)
What can be used to predict the probability of the outcome of a given “cross” between individuals?
A Punnett square
What is a pedigree?
A chart showing the genetic connections between individuals
What is the function of a pedigree?
Allows to deduce one’s genotype for a dominant trait by knowing the ancestor’s expression for a particular trait.
What are the exceptions to the regular pattern (non mendelian inheritance)?
- Co-dominance
- Multiple alleles
- Incomplete dominance
- Sex linked inheritance
What is co-dominance?
It is when the phenotype of both allele is expressed.
ex: a fish is not red nor blue; it is red and blue
What are multiple alleles?
When there is more than two possibilities of alleles.
ex: blood types can either be O, A, or B (also co-dominant)
What is incomplete dominance?
The phenotype of individuals is in between the two alleles.
ex: curly + straight hair = wavy hair
What is sex-linked inheritance?
It is observed when a gene coding for a trait is located on the X or Y chromosome.
-If the gene is on the Y chromosome, only males can show the trait
-If the gene is on the X chromosome, females have two versions of it (two alleles) and males only have one
-Hence, males will show the trait if they have only one copy of the allele, even if it is a recessive (no possibility of dominant allele on homologous chromosome because it’s a Y)
What are the organs of the nervous system?
Brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves (including sensory neurons)
What are the functions of the nervous system?
-Communication between different parts of your body
-Receive information from the receptors, analyze it and respond adequately
-Homeostasis
What do the receptors do in homeostasis?
Pick up a stimulus or a deviation and sends the info through the sensory nerves.
What does the control center do?
Receives and integrates the information
What do the effectors do?
They receive a message from the control center to respond or correct the deviation
What parts of the body are the receptors?
Sensory organs and sensory cells
What parts of the body are the control center?
Brain and sometimes spinal cord
What parts of the body are the effectors?
Muscles and glands
What are the two main division of the nervous system?
Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system
What constitutes the central nervous system?
Brain and spinal cord
What is the function of the central nervous system?
Responsible for integration of information
What constitutes the peripheral nervous system?
Sensory nerves and motor nerves