FRSC-4600 Lecture Notes

List the three main components of the course description.

Applied, Molecular, Genetics.

Define heredity in genetics.

The transmission of traits from one generation to the next.

Who documented the discrete heritable units known as genes?

Gregor Mendel.

What is the focus of molecular genetics?

The study of structure and function of genes at the molecular level.

What does applied molecular genetics involve?

Using molecular genetics for research, conservation, management, and law enforcement.

What statistical ratio did Mendel observe when crossing F1 hybrids?

3:1 ratio of purple to white flowers in F2 generation.

What principle explains the law of segregation?

The two alleles for a heritable character separate during gamete formation.

What law did Mendel propose when studying seed color and shape in peas?

Law of independent assortment.

Name a common genetic disorder that follows Mendelian inheritance.

Cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Huntington’s disease.

How is DNA structured according to the Watson-Crick model?

DNA strands are antiparallel.

What are the building blocks of DNA?

Nucleotides.

What are SNPs?

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms.

What is the role of restriction enzymes in genetics?

They recognize specific DNA sequences and cut DNA at those sites.

What is the basis for RFLP analysis?

Hybridizing labeled probes to DNA after separating fragments by size.

Define a haplotype.

A combination of linked alleles inherited together.

What is a technical advantage of using microsatellites as genetic markers?

They are abundant and highly variable.

What is the purpose of eDNA monitoring in species conservation?

To detect species without capturing or seeing them.

What is a significant challenge when using eDNA methods compared to traditional methods?

eDNA is not universally quantitative.

What significant role does SNP play in population genetics?

They are frequently used in association studies.

What is the typical range of detection probability for eDNA compared to traditional methods?

Higher detection probabilities, especially for rare or invasive species.

What does a null allele refer to?

An allele that does not amplify during PCR.

How many mutations are typically introduced to human offspring according to genetic studies?

Approximately 110 mutations.

What is used in high-throughput sequencing to amplify DNA for identification?

Bridge amplification on a solid support.

Define microbiome in forensics.

A community of microorganisms that can provide associative evidence between people and places.

What kind of data does high-throughput sequencing provide that is critical in forensic science?

Detailed pictures of microbial communities.

What are the advantages of using environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling in ecology?

Non-invasive, standardized, and cost-efficient for species identification.

What established act regulates international trade for endangered species?

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

How can allele fixation be explained in the context of wildlife conservation?

It indicates genetic uniformity due to a significant reduction in population size.

What are two common non-human models used in human forensic applications?

Cow blood and pig models.

What is the major challenge in tracking rhino poachers using DNA?

Linking the horn to the carcass or tool used in poaching.

Discuss the implications of using machine learning in forensic science.

It can model complex relationships in microbial diversity for crime scene inference.

What is the goal of using machine learning algorithms in forensic investigations involving microbiomes?

To predict likelihoods of associations between suspects and crime scenes based on microbial communities.

What is the concept of 'secondary DNA transfer'?

DNA transferred indirectly from one surface to another.

What is a unique feature of mitochondrial DNA that affects its use in species identification?

It is maternally inherited.

What is a technique used to monitor genetic diversity in wildlife populations?

Microsatellite analysis.

What does the term 'hybridization' refer to in genetics?

The process of combining different varieties of organisms to produce hybrid offspring.

How can NGS technologies transform forensic genetics?

By allowing for high-throughput analysis of genetic markers.

What is the importance of deriving molecular evidence from crime scenes?

It assists in establishing links to suspects through DNA profiling.

What is the basic concept behind the term 'power of inclusion' in forensic statistics?

The probability that a particular DNA profile belongs to a specific individual.

What application has emerged from eDNA analysis in conservation?

Monitoring biodiversity and detecting invasive species.

What can lead to genetic variation in populations?

Mutations, recombination, and random fertilization.

How does soil microbial diversity contribute to forensic investigations?

It serves as trace evidence linking suspects to crime scenes.

Why is it critical for eDNA to maintain quality in forensic studies?

To ensure reliable detection and minimize contamination risk.

Define the significance of the haplotype in genetic studies.

It helps track allele combinations inherited together across generations.

What is the role of bioinformatics in high-throughput sequencing?

To analyze and interpret vast data sets generated from sequencing.

How is the efficiency of eDNA methods proven as superior in certain scenarios?

By demonstrating higher detection rates for cryptic or endangered species.

What type of forensic evidence can be developed from DNA profiling in wildlife investigations?

Identity verification, species identification, and tracking illegal trade.

In genetic disorders, what does the term 'dominant' imply?

That only one copy of the allele is necessary to express the trait.

What molecular tool is crucial for amplifying specific DNA regions in research?

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction).

How do environmental conditions impact DNA degradation?

Warmer and more humid conditions accelerate DNA breakdown.

What role does the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) serve?

It sets controls on international trade of endangered species.

In the context of genetic analysis, what are STRs?

Short Tandem Repeats used for DNA profiling.

Explain the relationship between genotype and phenotype.

Genotype refers to the genetic constitution, while phenotype is the observable characteristics.

What is the impact of the agricultural industry on wildlife DNA forensics?

It raises concerns about contaminants influencing species identification.

How does understanding RNA degradation improve forensic analyses?

Identifying RNA decay rates helps establish timelines for biological evidence.

Describe the significance of SNP identification in genetic research.

It allows for the identification of genetic variation responsible for traits.

In forensic cases, how is evidence collected and compared?

Through DNA profiling using reference samples from suspects.

Highlight a disadvantage of eDNA analysis.

It primarily detects presence or absence, lacking information on populations' demographics.

In forensic genetics, what is the purpose of chain termination sequencing?

It allows for the determination of DNA sequences through specialized methods.

What does T-RFLP stand for in soil microbial studies?

Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism.

What concept does the 'unifactorial' model of inheritance describe?

Traits determined by a single gene.

Define the significance of using FTA papers in blood sample preservation.

They stabilize and preserve samples for molecular analysis.

Why are microsatellites considered powerful tools in forensic analysis?

Due to their high variability and the ability to provide individual identification.

What contributes to the uniqueness of individual DNA profiles?

The variance in genetic markers such as SNPs and microsatellites.

How does cross-validation improve forensic methods?

It assesses the reliability and accuracy of analytical results.

Explain the ecological impact of using eDNA in monitoring endangered species.

It provides data for effective conservation strategies without invasive sampling.

What is one benefit of using high-throughput sequencing in forensic genetics?

It processes large amounts of data efficiently.

What does the acronym NGS stand for?

Next Generation Sequencing.

Defined by the outcome of statistical analysis, what does PI stand for in genetics?

Probability of Identity.

How does genetic variation result from recombination?

Through the exchange of genetic material during meiosis.

What significance does the 'dispersal ability of species' have in eDNA studies?

It affects the distribution and detection of eDNA in sampled environments.

What method improves detection rates of cryptic species in natural environments?

Use of eDNA analyses.

List one environmental factor that limits eDNA persistence.

UV radiation.

What are the uses of chloroplast DNA sequences in forensic applications?

Species identification and tracing plant origins.

What role does geographical information play in eDNA studies?

It helps identify environmental samples spatially linked to target organisms.

In forensic contexts, how can machine learning enhance evidence analysis?

By predicting potential relationships based on datasets of microbial profiles.

What is one disadvantage of using STR markers in forensic analysis?

They require high-quality samples for reliable results.

What is a main consideration when interpreting DNA profiles in forensic cases?

Contextualizing DNA evidence with surrounding circumstances.

What is the significance of collecting microbiome data from aquatic environments?

It aids in understanding the ecological dynamics and potential implications for biodiversity.

What does the term 'misidentified species' imply in biodiversity studies?

Incorrect classification leading to inaccurate ecological assessments.