Evolution, Speciation, Phylogenetics, Prokaryotes, Viruses, Biotechnology

These flashcards cover key concepts in evolution, speciation, phylogenetics, and biotechnology as discussed in the lecture notes.

Evolution

Change in heritable traits (allele frequencies) for a population across generations.

Mutation

Random changes in DNA that create new genetic variation.

Natural selection

Traits that improve survival or reproduction become more common in a population.

Genetic drift

Random changes in allele frequencies, strongest in small populations.

Gene flow

Movement of genes between populations through migration.

Speciation

The evolutionary process by which one population splits into two or more reproductively isolated species.

Biological species concept

A species is a group of populations that can interbreed successfully and are reproductively isolated from other groups.

Prezygotic barriers

Reproductive isolation mechanisms that occur before fertilization (e.g., temporal isolation, behavioral isolation, mechanical isolation, gametic isolation).

Allopatric speciation

Speciation that occurs when populations are separated by a geographic barrier.

Phylogenetics

The study of evolutionary relationships among organisms using shared ancestry.

Monophyletic group

A group that includes an ancestor and all of its descendants.

Homology

Similarity due to shared ancestry.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms that lack a membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Binary Fission

Primary mode of reproduction in prokaryotes, producing genetically identical cells.

Viruses

Acellular infectious agents that require a host cell to replicate.

Antigenic drift

Gradual mutations in viral genes.

Recombinant DNA technology

The process of combining DNA from different sources into a single molecule.

Sanger Sequencing

A method used to determine the exact nucleotide sequence of a DNA fragment.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

Organisms whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.