Concept 10.1 - Offspring acquire genes from parents by inheriting chromosomes

What are genes and its role?

Hereditary units that carry coded information from parents to offspring, determining traits such as eye color and freckles

What is the structure of a gene and what is the purpose of their specific sequences?

• Are composed of DNA, a polymer of four nucleotides

• Specific sequences encode genetic information

How do cells translate genetic information into traits?

By synthesizing specific proteins, primarily enzymes

How does DNA replication allow for the transmission of hereditary traits?

By producing gene copies passed from parents to offspring

What are gametes and its function?

Reproductive cells that carry genes to the next generation during fertilization

What is a locus?

Specific location of a gene on a chromosome

What does asexual reproduction involve?

A single parent passing copies of all its genes to its offspring without the fusion of gametes

Name two examples of asexual reproduction.

Single-celled eukaryotic organisms like yeast and amoeba, which both reproduce by Mitotic cell division

Can multicellular organisms also reproduce asexually. If so, what are some examples?

Can produce asexually; such as hydras through budding and redwood trees

How can genetic differences in asexually reproducing organisms be caused?

Due to mutations

What does sexual reproduction involve?

Two parents and results in offspring with unique combinations of genes