Sickle Cell and Influenza GB100

Influenza Virus

A virus that causes respiratory infections in humans and animals, with different strains evolving over time.

Virus

A microscopic infectious agent that requires a host cell to replicate.

Genetic Material

The DNA or RNA contained within a virus, carrying instructions for replication.

Capsid

A protein coat that encloses the genetic material of a virus.

Envelope

A lipid membrane surrounding some viruses, derived from the host cell's membrane.

Spikes

Glycoproteins on the surface of influenza viruses that help in host cell recognition and entry.

Lytic cycle

The viral replication process where the virus hijacks the host cell's machinery to produce new viruses, eventually causing cell lysis.

Lysogenic cycle

A viral replication process where the viral DNA integrates into the host genome and replicates along with it, remaining dormant until triggered.

Epithelial cells

Cells that line the respiratory tract and serve as the primary site of influenza virus infection.

Flu Vaccine

A preventative treatment containing inactivated or weakened influenza virus components to stimulate an immune response.

Evolution

The process by which species change over time due to genetic variation and natural selection.

Natural Selection

The mechanism by which individuals with advantageous traits survive and reproduce, passing those traits to future generations.

Mutations

Changes in genetic material that can lead to variations in viral strains.

Stabilizing selection

A type of natural selection where intermediate traits are favored over extreme variations.

Directional selection

A form of natural selection where one extreme of a trait is favored, causing a shift in the population.

Disruptive selection

A form of natural selection where both extremes of a trait are favored over the intermediate.

Analogous structures

Structures in different species that serve similar functions but evolved independently.

Homologous structures

Anatomical features that share a common evolutionary origin despite serving different functions.

Antigenic drift

Small genetic mutations in the influenza virus that gradually alter its surface proteins, leading to changes in immunity and vaccine effectiveness.

Immune System

The body's defense mechanism against pathogens, including viruses and bacteria.

Memory B cells

A type of immune cell that remembers past infections and enables a faster response upon re-exposure to the same pathogen.

Sickle Cell Anemia

A genetic blood disorder caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene, resulting in red blood cells that assume a sickle shape and obstruct blood flow.

Heterozygote Advantage

A phenomenon in which individuals heterozygous for a genetic trait (e.g., sickle cell trait) have a selective advantage, such as resistance to malaria.

Homozygote

An individual possessing two identical alleles for a particular gene.

Genetic Disease

A disorder caused by mutations in an individual's DNA, which can be inherited from one or both parents.

Gene

A segment of DNA that encodes instructions for producing a protein or RNA molecule.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and egg) that contain half the genetic material of an organism.

Spermatogenesis

The process of sperm cell formation in males.

Oogenesis

The process of egg cell formation in females.

Hemoglobin

A protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.

Circulatory System

The system responsible for transporting blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body.

Impact of SCA

Sickle-shaped cells block blood vessels, leading to reduced oxygen delivery, pain, and organ damage.

Respiratory System

The system responsible for gas exchange, including oxygen intake and carbon dioxide release.

Impact of SCA

Reduced oxygen levels and potential blockages in lung capillaries can cause breathing difficulties and acute chest syndrome.

DNA

The molecule that carries genetic information in cells.

DNA Replication

The process of copying DNA before cell division.

Complementary

Each strand of DNA serves as a template for the formation of a complementary strand.

Semiconservative

Each new DNA molecule consists of one original and one newly synthesized strand.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A laboratory technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences for analysis.

Gene Expression

The process through which genetic information is used to produce proteins.

Transcription

The process in which DNA is converted into messenger RNA (mRNA).

mRNA

The intermediary molecule that carries genetic instructions from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.

Translation

The process in which ribosomes use mRNA to assemble proteins.

tRNA

Transfer RNA molecules that bring amino acids to ribosomes during translation.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can alter protein function and lead to genetic diseases.

Alleles

Different versions of a gene that may result in different traits.

Chromosome

A structure composed of DNA and proteins that carries genetic information.

Why is DNA packaged like this?

DNA is packaged into chromosomes to fit inside the cell nucleus and ensure proper gene regulation and replication.

Meiosis

A form of cell division that produces gametes with half the genetic material of the parent cell.

Homologous Chromosomes

Chromosome pairs, one from each parent, that contain corresponding genes.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome connected at a centromere.

Prophase I

Homologous chromosomes pair and exchange genetic material.

Metaphase I

Homologous chromosomes align in the center of the cell.

Anaphase I

Homologous chromosomes are pulled to opposite poles.

Pedigree

A diagram showing family inheritance patterns of genetic traits.

Incomplete Dominance

A genetic scenario where the heterozygous phenotype is intermediate between the two homozygous phenotypes.

Multiple Alleles

A gene that has more than two possible alleles.

Codominance

A genetic scenario where both alleles in a heterozygous individual are fully expressed.

Gene Therapy

A technique that introduces or corrects genetic material within cells to treat diseases.