Genetic Risk, Meiosis, Proteins, Cholesterol, and Antibiotics Review

These flashcards cover key concepts related to genetic risk, meiosis, proteins, cholesterol, and the effects of antibiotics, which are crucial for understanding human biology and medical implications.

What is gene expression?

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, usually proteins.

What are alleles that represent gene mutation?

LDLRdel1/LDLR, PCSK9/PCSK9sub1, LDLRdel1/LDLRdell.

Is a person with a mutation in one cholesterol-related gene more or less likely to develop heart disease than someone with two?

More likely.

What is a genotype?

The genetic constitution of an individual.

What is a phenotype?

The observable physical properties of an organism; these include the organism's appearance, development, and behavior.

Are traits generally defined by one gene or multiple genes?

Traits are generally defined by multiple genes.

What is meiosis?

A type of cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes in the parent cell by half and produces four gamete cells.

What is independent assortment?

The principle explaining how different genes independently separate from one another when reproductive cells develop.

What are the roles of proteins in the body?

Proteins perform a variety of functions including structural roles, signaling, immune responses, and catalyzing biochemical reactions.

How could raised LDL-C levels in the bloodstream be explained?

By changes in the LDL receptors (LDLRs) affecting cholesterol uptake.

What are proteins made of?

Proteins are made of amino acids.

What results from a change in amino acid structure?

It can lead to changes in protein function or stability.

What is DNA?

The molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life.

What is the chain of causality from DNA to proteins?

DNA -> Genes -> Nucleotides -> Amino Acids -> Proteins.

What process leads to traits becoming more common over time?

Natural selection.

Is natural selection consistent across all populations?

No, it can vary based on environmental factors and not all individuals survive to reproduce.

Should doctors prescribe antibiotics for any illness? Why or why not?

False, because antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral illnesses.

How does over-prescription of antibiotics lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria?

It allows bacteria to adapt and survive exposure, leading to resistant strains.

What is the careful prescribing of antibiotics to reduce resistance called?

Antibiotic stewardship.

Where does cholesterol in our bodies come from?

From the food we eat and synthesized by the liver.

What is the normal role of cholesterol in the body?

To build cell membranes, produce hormones, and aid in digestion.

How is cholesterol transported throughout the body?

Through lipoproteins such as LDL and HDL.

How does cholesterol impact heart health?

High cholesterol levels can lead to the build-up of plaques in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.

How do antibiotics interact with bacteria?

They target specific cellular processes or structures in bacteria to kill or inhibit their growth.

What describes the effect of antibiotics on bacterial cells?

Antibiotics kill bacteria probabilistically, where there is a chance for each bacterial cell to be killed.

Can antibiotics alone completely eliminate bacterial cells from the body?

False.

What factors contribute to some bacteria surviving antibiotic exposure?

Strength, structures, location, age, and luck.

What are bacteria that can survive different doses of antibiotics called?

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria.