Module 10 - Genes, GMOS, Mutations, Gymno/Angiosperms

Gene

a section of DNA that stores information for making a protein

How is information for a gene stored/determined?

information for a gene is stored in the sequence of nucleotide bases
ex:
A - T
G - C
G - C
C - G
T- A

Alleles

different forms of a gene
- when the exact gene sequence varies between individuals in a species

Effects of Alleles

- can make different proteins that serve different functions
- causes genetic diseases

Mutation

a change in the sequence of nucleotide bases
- what causes an allele

What do all somatic cells in a plant share, despite location?
(Ex: both root cells and leaf cells have the same...)

- dna molecules
- chromosomes
- genomes
- genes
- sequence of bases
- alleles

Totipotency

a cell can divide and make any other kind of cell
(all cells in plants)

Artificial Breeding

humans choose the traits that they prefer in their organisms and only allow those to reproduce

Selective Breeding

the process of selecting organisms with desired traits to be parents of the next generation

Downsides of Artificial/Selective Breeding
(Traditional Methods)

Depends of what alleles the organism already has. New traits can't be intentionally introduced by humans.

Benefits of Artificial/Selective Breeding
(Traditional Methods)

More cost effective.
Takes a longer time - more room for humans to catch potential errors and stop them sooner.

Recombinant DNA Technology

Only Adds DNA to an organism to change specific traits randomly

Downsides of Recombinant DNA Technology
(Modern Technology)

Is only able to add DNA
Completely random in placement - humans can't choose where the new DNA goes

Benefits of Recombinant DNA Technology
(Modern Technology)

Faster than traditional methods
Able to use foreign DNA

CRISPR-Cas9

a technology that enables geneticists to edit parts of the genome by removing, adding or altering sections of the DNA sequence

Steps of CRISPR-Cas9

1. Guide Nucleic Acid matches the DNA sequence
you want to modify.

2. Cas9 cuts the DNA at that sequence.

3. DNA is modified.

Downsides of CRISPR-Cas9
(Modern Technology)

New technology - less experience with it leads to mistakes

Benefits of CRISPR-Cas9
(Modern Technology)

- Able to delete/insert new DNA AND change the existing DNA sequence able to place DNA where you want it at

Traits of JUST Gymnosperms

- No flowers
- Reproduces through cones

Traits of JUST Angiosperms

- Flowers
- Reproduces through flowers

Traits of BOTH Gymno/Angiosperms

- Both produce seeds
- Both have vascular tissue

GMO

genetically modified organism