Topic 3: Genetics

Question 1

Asexual Reproduction

Answer 1

A mode of reproduction in which a new offspring is produced by a single parent. The new individuals produced are genetically and physically identical to each other, i.e., they are the clones of their parents.

Question 2

Biotechnology

Answer 2

Using biological processes for industrial and other purposes, especially the genetic manipulation of microorganisms for the production of antibiotics, hormones, etc.

Question 3

Bond

Answer 3

What connects amino acids in protein synthesis to form a polypeptide

Question 4

Chromosome

Answer 4

Made up of DNA. They are covered with 1000s of genes.

Question 5

Clone

Answer 5

Genetically identical to the parent organism. These are formed in mitosis.

Question 6

DNA

Answer 6

Deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA is found in the nucleus and stays there. It carries the instructions for making proteins (puts amino acids together in the correct sequence). Instructions are expressed in a code of 3 bases, representing one of 20 amino acids (so proteins need the correct order to work) Example (T-A-C codes for methionine).

Question 6

4 base pairs of DNA

Answer 6

A, T, C, G

Question 7

2 DNA strands pair side by side using which base pairs?

Answer 7

A pairs with T, C pairs with G

Question 7

How does DNA replicate in both mitosis and meiosis?

Answer 7

DNA replicates before the cell divides by untwisting and unzipping, then copying each strand.

Question 8

Egg

Answer 8

Female gamete (sex cell).

Question 9

Expressed

Answer 9

Genes can be expressed (turned on) or not expressed (turned off) depending on a cell’s environment.

Question 10

Genes

Answer 10

DNA’s sequence of bases that code for a protein.

Question 11

Genetic Engineering

Answer 11

a process that uses laboratory-based technologies to alter the DNA makeup of an organism. This may involve changing a single base pair (A-T or C-G), deleting a region of DNA or adding a new segment of DNA.

Question 12

Genetic Recombination

Answer 12

Aka genetic reshuffling, the exchange of genetic material between different organisms which leads to production of offspring with combinations of traits that differ from those found in either parent.

Question 13

Heredity

Answer 13

the process of passing the traits and characteristics from parents to offsprings through genes.

Question 14

Mutation

Answer 14

Error in the DNA sequence (inserting an extra base or deleting one) that causes a mistake in the order of amino acids in a protein (wrong shape = not work properly)

Question 15

Causes of mutation

Answer 15

chemicals or radiation, UV light, X-rays (all cause errors in DNA)

Question 16

How can mutations be passed on to a baby?

Answer 16

Mutations can only be passed on to the next generation if they occur in the gametes (sperm/egg/sex cells)

Question 17

What does mutations cause?

Answer 17

Genetic variation- these can be good or bad changes

Question 18

Replicate

Answer 18

DNA replicates before the cell divides in both mitosis and meiosis by untwisting and unzipping, then copying each strand

Question 19

Selective Breeding

Answer 19

humans choosing organisms to mate in order to get the desired traits in offspring

Question 20

Sexual reproduction

Answer 20

Two organisms donate 50% of their genes/ DNA to form a new individual. Meiotic cell division (meiosis) produces sex cells- makes a cell with only half the DNA/ Chromosomes/ Genes as the original cell.

Question 21

Sperm

Answer 21

Male gamete/ sex cell. Transfers held of the genetic materials/DNA/Chromosomes

Question 22

Subunit

Answer 22

One of the identical or non-identical protein molecules that make up a multimeric protein

Question 23

Template

Answer 23

a single-stranded nucleic acid – a DNA or RNA polymer made of nucleotides – that is used to synthesize a new DNA, RNA or protein polymer.

Question 24

Trait

Answer 24

a specific characteristic of an individual

Question 25

mRNA

Answer 25

Messenger RNA. Since DNA stays in the nucleus, but the protein is assembled at the ribosome, DNA must copy its instructions (base sequence) onto mRNA that can leave the nucleus.

Question 26

What takes the code from DNA out of the nucleus?

Answer 26

mRNA

Question 27

tRNA

Answer 27

At the ribosome, tRNA with attached amino acid pairs up with the mRNA. Then amino acids bond and break free of tRNA. Amino acid is now in a chain called a protein/ polypeptide.

Question 28

Example of gene expression

Answer 28

Hormones turn reproductive cells on or off: Cells can specialize/ differentiate because some genes are turned on or off.

Question 29

Recombinant DNA

Answer 29

Made by cutting DNA using special restriction enzymes and inserting genes into another organism’s DNA. If an organism has the gene inserted into it, they can make the product.

Question 30

Example of Recombinant DNA

Answer 30

Human insulin gene is pasted into a bacteria… bacteria can now make human insulin.

Question 31

Gel electrophoresis

Answer 31

Fragments of DNA can be separated by size

Question 32

Which fragments go through gel faster?

Answer 32

Smaller fragments go through gel faster than larger ones.