The Biology of Sickle-Cell Disease Study Guide

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions related to sickle-cell disease, DNA structure and function, gene expression, genetic inheritance, and gene therapy.

What is a genetic disease?

A genetic disease is a disorder caused by abnormalities in an individual's DNA.

How are genetic diseases different from communicable diseases?

Genetic diseases are inherited and not transmitted from person to person, unlike communicable diseases like the flu.

What is the function of a gene?

Genes store information that determines physical traits and functions in an organism.

What characteristics are associated with sickle-cell disease?

Sickle-cell disease is characterized by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin, resulting in crescent-shaped red blood cells.

What is the role of hemoglobin in the body?

Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and facilitates the exchange of carbon dioxide.

How does the structure of a protein like hemoglobin relate to its function?

The specific structure of hemoglobin allows it to effectively bind oxygen molecules.

What is the function of red blood cells?

Red blood cells transport oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body.

How are gases exchanged in the circulatory system?

Gases are exchanged through diffusion in the lungs and tissues, where oxygen enters and carbon dioxide exits the blood.

How does sickle-cell disease affect red blood cells?

Sickle-cell disease causes red blood cells to become misshapen, leading to blockages in blood flow and reduced oxygen delivery.

What are the physiological effects of sickle-cell anemia?

Sickle-cell anemia can cause pain, fatigue, and increased risk of infections due to the obstruction of blood flow.

Why is DNA considered the genetic material?

DNA is the genetic material because it carries the instructions for the development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms.

What was the significance of the Hershey-Chase experiment?

The Hershey-Chase experiment provided evidence that DNA, not protein, is the genetic material in organisms.

What is the process of DNA replication?

DNA replication is the process through which a cell duplicates its DNA before cell division.

What does 'semiconservative' mean in the context of DNA replication?

Semiconservative means that each new DNA molecule consists of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.

What are the steps of transcription in gene expression?

Transcription is the process where a segment of DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA) by the enzyme RNA polymerase.

What occurs during translation?

During translation, ribosomes synthesize proteins by decoding mRNA sequences into amino acid chains.

How do mutations affect proteins?

Mutations can lead to changes in the amino acid sequence of proteins, potentially resulting in misshapen or malfunctioning proteins.

What are dominant and recessive traits?

Dominant traits are expressed when at least one dominant allele is present, while recessive traits are expressed only when two recessive alleles are present.

What is the role of meiosis in sexual reproduction?

Meiosis is the process that creates gametes with half the number of chromosomes, ensuring genetic diversity during fertilization.

How can crossing-over influence genetic variation?

Crossing-over during meiosis allows for the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes, increasing genetic diversity.

What is gene therapy?

Gene therapy is a technique used to treat or prevent diseases by modifying or manipulating genes.

What is CRISPR?

CRISPR is a genome-editing tool that allows scientists to alter DNA sequences and modify gene function.