genetics pop quiz

Genetics

The study of how information is transferred from one generation to another.

Biological molecules

Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, Amino acids.

Information carrier molecule

DNA.

Shape of DNA

Double helix.

Components of DNA

Nitrogen bases (ACGTU), a phosphate group, a sugar group.

Genetic information carrier

Nitrogen bases.

Other nucleic acid

RNA.

Difference between DNA and RNA

Deoxyribose vs ribose; ATCG vs AUCG.

DNA regions

Introns and exons.

Differences between introns and exons

Introns are non-coding; Exons are coding.

Changes in DNA sequence

Mutations.

Types of mutations

Point (substitution), Deletion, Insertion, Inversion, Translocation.

Positive mutations

Mutations can lead to novel traits.

Genome

The entire collection of DNA in an individual’s cell.

Genome in teeth and brain cells

True; all cells have the same genome, but different genes are expressed.

Hereditary behavior

True; observed in big cats and dogs.

Central dogma of biology

DNA to RNA to Proteins.

Function of mRNA

To carry genetic information to ribosomes.

Function of ribosomes

Site of protein synthesis.

Chromosomes

DNA coiled around proteins.

Function of telomeres

Maintain chromosomal stability (shoelace analogy).

Amino acids

Building blocks of proteins; related to genetic code.

Gene expression

False; only some genes are expressed at any given time to conserve amino acids.

Genetic diseases

Gene therapies are on the rise; not all have no cure.

CRISPR-CAS9

A genetic engineering tool that precisely edits DNA sequences; basis of some modern gene therapies.

Consumption of genetically modified organisms

False; everything is genetically modified through breeding and artificial selection.

DNA exceptions

Some viruses, Prions, Viroids.