EXAM #3

Exam #3 Study Guide Notes

Lecture 1: DNA Biotechnology

Reading Assignments
  • Textbook Chapters:
    • 3.2, 3.5, 3.6
    • 6.1-6.7
    • 6.10
    • 6.13-6.19
Learning Objectives
  1. Cell Types
    • Different types of cells with varied shapes (e.g., neuron, red blood cell) related to their function.
  2. Cell Regions
    • Components of a cell:
      • Nucleus: Contains genetic material.
      • Cytoplasm: Fluid that contains organelles.
      • Plasma Membrane: Protects the cell and controls what enters/exits.
  3. Organelles
    • Key organelles and their functions:
      • Mitochondria: Energy production.
      • Ribosomes: Protein synthesis.
      • Golgi apparatus: Modifies and ships proteins.
  4. Cell Nucleus
    • Structure: Double membrane with pores.
    • Function: Stores DNA, site of transcription.
  5. Watson & Crick
    • Proposed the double helix structure of DNA based on X-ray diffraction data.
  6. DNA Storage
    • DNA is stored in the nucleus as chromatin.
  7. DNA Structure
    • Made of nucleotides (sugar, phosphate, nitrogenous base).
  8. Nucleic Acids
    • Similarities: Both DNA and RNA are made up of nucleotides.
    • Differences: RNA has uracil instead of thymine, single-stranded vs double-stranded.
  9. DNA Replication
    • Semi-conservative; each new DNA strand contains one original and one new strand.
  10. Replication Errors
    • Can lead to mutations affecting protein function.
  11. DNA Profiling
    • Sequences of DNA used to compare individuals or species.
  12. Central Dogma
    • DNA --> RNA --> Protein: Process explaining how genetic information flows.
  13. Protein Synthesis Organelles
    • Ribosomes, rough ER, and Golgi apparatus play unique roles.
  14. Protein Synthesis Process
    • Transcription: DNA to RNA (in the nucleus).
    • Translation: RNA to protein (occurs at the ribosome).
  15. Transcription vs. Translation
    • Transcription: RNA synthesis using DNA template.
    • Translation: Amino acid synthesis using RNA templates.
  16. PCR
    • Polymerase Chain Reaction mimics DNA replication but is specific for amplifying DNA segments.
  17. Historical Discoveries
    • Key advancements: PCR, DNA sequencing.
  18. Applications of Discoveries
    • Used in forensics, medicine, and environmental science.
  19. Analyzing DNA Profiles
    • Techniques used to match DNA in criminal cases or paternity tests.
  20. Biotechnology Uses
    • Law (forensics), health (gene therapy), and science (research).
  21. Genetic Manipulation
    • Techniques used to create genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
  22. DNA and the Central Dogma
    • Structural role of DNA in protein synthesis highlighted.
  23. DNA to RNA to Protein
    • Overview of the flow of genetic information.
  24. Transcription vs. Translation (repeat)
    • Emphasizes their contrasting roles in gene expressivity.

Practice Questions

  1. Structural differences between smooth and rough ER; functions.
  2. Unique structures in plant cells (e.g., cell wall, chloroplasts).
  3. Organelles involved in energy (e.g., mitochondria, chloroplasts).
  4. True/False: Nuclear envelope has one membrane.
  5. Consequences of nuclear pore mutation on cell function.
  6. Chromosome count and organization in nucleus.
  7. Size ranking: Protein, chromosome, chromatin fiber, DNA molecule.
  8. Organelles involved in protein synthesis.
  9. Locations of transcription and translation (nucleus vs ribosomes).
  10. Consequences of defective lysosomes (e.g., inability to break down waste).
  11. Comparison of nucleotide structures between species.
  12. Behavior of chemically modified DNA during replication.
  13. Presence of uracil in chromosomes.
  14. Simultaneity of transcription and translation.
  15. Reasons for shorter mRNA than gene length.
  16. Amino acid sequence from codon (AUG-ACU-AAU-AGU-UGA).
  17. How many amino acids in 300 nucleotide mRNA (excluding codons).
  18. Impact of nonsense mutations on protein function.
  19. History of biotechnology: is it recent?
  20. Finding specific genes in a genomic library.
  21. Similarities in GM plant and animal production.
  22. Use of PCR for DNA comparison in forensic analysis.
  23. Electrophoresis gel analysis of DNA sizes.
  24. Relationship between gene number and genome size.
  25. Efficiency of viruses in gene therapy.

Lecture 2: Genetic Diseases 1

Reading Assignments
  • Textbook Chapters:
    • 5.1-5.18
Learning Objectives
  1. Cancer Definition
    • Uncontrolled cell division.
  2. Cell Cycle and Cancer
    • Phases: Interphase, mitosis.
  3. Mutation Types
    • Includes missense, nonsense, and frameshift mutations.
  4. Tumor Suppressor Genes vs. Oncogenes
    • Tumor suppressors inhibit cell division; oncogenes promote it.
  5. Cancer Causes
    • Genetic, environmental factors, lifestyle (e.g., smoking).
  6. Cancer Treatment
    • Methods include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
  7. Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Chromosomes
    • Prokaryotic: single, circular; Eukaryotic: multiple, linear.
  8. Reproductive Methods
    • Asexual (binary fission) vs. sexual reproduction (meiosis).
  9. Chromosome Structure
    • Includes histones, nucleosomes, and supercoiling.
  10. Mitosis Phases
    • Phases include prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase.
  11. Cytokinesis Comparison
    • Similarities and differences between animal and plant cells.
  12. Cell Types
    • Diploid (2N) vs haploid (N); autosomes vs sex chromosomes.
  13. Meiosis Phases and Genetic Diversity
    • Importance of crossing over and random fertilization.
  14. Nondisjunction Consequences
    • Leads to abnormalities like Down syndrome.
  15. Reproductive Evidence
    • Characteristics of species and reproduction methods.
  16. Reproductive Strategies
    • Advantages/disadvantages of each method.

Practice Questions

  1. Genetic identity of body cells vs. variation.
  2. Total DNA pieces in body cell nucleus.
  3. Correctness of statement on mitosis.
  4. Consequences of failure of sister chromatid separation in mitosis.
  5. Why plant cells cannot form cleavage furrows.
  6. Outcomes of nuclear transfer between different colored mice.
  7. Analyzing sex chromosomes & visualization methods.
  8. Key features of meiosis 1 and chromosome arrangement.
  9. Chromosome differences in mitosis vs. meiosis.
  10. Genetic similarity of gametes from parents.
  11. Chromosome determining sex of an individual.

Lecture 3: Genetic Diseases 2

Reading Assignments
  • Textbook Chapters:
    • 6.3, 6.4
    • 6.8-6.12
Learning Objectives
  1. Limitations of Protein Synthesis
    • How genes direct production of different proteins.
  2. Mitosis Visual Recognition
    • Phases based on images/micrographs.
  3. Gene Expression
    • Relation to phenotype and cell function.
  4. Signal Transduction Pathway
    • Impact of mutated proteins.
  5. Cancer Mutations
    • Types leading to cancerous tissues.
  6. Sexual Reproduction
    • How it contributes to genetic variation.
  7. Punnett Squares
    • Use to deduce inheritance patterns.
  8. Pedigrees in Genetics
    • Dominant vs. recessive traits; homozygous vs. heterozygous.
  9. Complex Inheritance Cases
    • Explanation of non-simple inheritance.
  10. Gene Linkage Analysis
    • Recognizing phenotypic linkage in heredity.

Additional Practice Questions

  1. Mechanism of single gene producing multiple proteins.
  2. Pivotal genes and their impact on organismal development.
  3. Consequences of gene duplication in cancer risk.
  4. Challenges of treating metastatic vs. non-metastatic cancer.
  5. Identifying genotypes from dominant trait expression (black/brown fur).
  6. Importance of test crosses on phenotype determination.
  7. Definition and explanation of dihybrid crosses.
  8. Understanding disease carriers and their genetic implications.
  9. Differences between pleiotropy and polygenic inheritance.
  10. Possibility of gene linkage across different chromosomes.