Genetics and Molecular Biology Concepts

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to genetics and molecular biology, including test crosses, statistical analyses, DNA extraction, PCR processes, and bioinformatics.

Dihybrid Test Cross

A genetic cross between an organism with a dominant phenotype and a homozygous recessive individual to determine the unknown genotype.

Punnett Square

A diagram used to predict the genotype and phenotype ratios of offspring from a genetic cross.

Phenotypic Ratio

The ratio of different phenotypes that result from a genetic cross, e.g., 1:1:1:1 in a dihybrid test cross.

Chi-Square Analysis

A statistical method used to determine if observed data significantly differs from expected data, often used in genetics to assess assortative linkage.

Null Hypothesis (H₀)

Assumes that two genes assort independently in a dihybrid test cross.

Alternative Hypothesis (H₁)

Assumes that two genes are linked and do not assort independently.

Genomic DNA Extraction

A process involving breaking open cells, removing contaminants, and isolating pure DNA for various applications.

Agarose Gel Electrophoresis

A technique for separating DNA fragments based on size using an electric field to migrate the fragments through a gel matrix.

Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP)

A technique that involves digesting DNA with restriction enzymes and separating the resulting fragments to analyze genetic variation.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A method used to rapidly amplify specific DNA segments, enabling detailed analysis from small sample sizes.

Denaturation (PCR Cycle)

The first step in PCR where double-stranded DNA is separated into single strands by heating.

Annealing (PCR Cycle)

The second step in PCR where primers bind to complementary sequences on single-stranded DNA as temperature is lowered.

Extension (PCR Cycle)

The third step in PCR where DNA polymerase synthesizes new DNA strands by adding nucleotides.

BLAST Analysis

A tool used to compare a DNA or protein sequence against a database to identify similarities and determine gene function or species identification.

E Value

A measure used in BLAST analysis that indicates the number of matches expected by chance, assisting in the evaluation of sequence alignment significance.

Percent Identity

The percentage of identical matches between two sequences in BLAST, indicating the level of similarity.