y10 genetics

What is genetics?

The study of heredity and inherited characteristics.

Who is considered the father of genetics?

Gregor Mendel

What are chromosomes?

Structures of tightly-wound DNA found in the nucleus of living cells.

What are genes?

Basic units of heredity contained within chromosomes.

What molecule contains genetic information?

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

What is a nucleotide?

A subunit of DNA consisting of phosphate, deoxyribose sugar, and a base.

Describe the structure of DNA.

A double helix consisting of two chains that twist around each other, resembling a ladder with 'rungs' made of base pairs.

What are the four bases in DNA?

Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, and Cytosine

Which bases pair together in DNA?

Adenine with Thymine, and Guanine with Cytosine

Define a gene.

A section of a DNA molecule that provides instructions for building a specific protein.

What is inheritance?

The passing down of traits via genes from one generation to the next.

What is the role of RNA?

A molecule that converts information stored in DNA into proteins.

What bases are found in RNA?

Adenine, Uracil, Cytosine, and Guanine

What are the three main types of RNA?

Messenger RNA (mRNA), Ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and Transfer RNA (tRNA)

What is translation?

The process where a cell builds protein using mRNA.

What is transcription?

The process where a section of DNA (gene) is changed into RNA (mRNA).

What is the genetic code?

The set of rules used by a cell to convert genetic information into proteins.

What are the two main functions of chromosomes in cells?

Maintaining normal function of cells (growth and repair = Mitosis) and passing on genetic information to offspring (Meiosis).

What is the diploid number in human somatic cells?

46 chromosomes

What is the haploid number in human sex cells (gametes)?

23 chromosomes

What is a chromatid?

Each strand of a duplicated chromosome.

What is a centromere?

The area where each pair of chromatids is joined.

What are the phases of mitosis?

Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase (PMAT)

What happens during interphase?

Cell growth and development, DNA replication.

What is cytokinesis?

The division of the cytoplasm and organelles after the nucleus divides.

What is meiosis?

A type of cell division that produces sex cells (gametes) for reproduction, resulting in 4 genetically different daughter cells.

What are gametes?

Special sex cells (Eggs and Sperm).

What is fertilization?

When an egg cell and a sperm cell fuses together.

What is a homologous pair?

Two chromosomes that contain versions of the same genes

What is a pedigree?

Family trees that show how a trait is passed down from one generation to the next.

What are sex chromosomes?

Chromosomes that determine a person's sex (XX for females, XY for males).

What is autosomal inheritance?

Inherited traits that are not sex-specific.

What are alleles?

Different versions of a gene.

What is a dominant trait?

A feature that appears when at least one allele is present.

What is a recessive trait?

A feature that appears only when both alleles are present.

What is a genotype?

The written representation we give for a phenotype.

What is a Punnett Square used for?

To determine the genotype and phenotype and the possibility of each.