Biol 240 Exam 3 Study Guide Notes

Mendelian Genetics

  • Pedigree Charts:
    • Understand how to interpret pedigree charts to track inheritance patterns.
  • Genotype Inference:
    • From given parental genotypes, infer the likely genotype of offspring.
  • Punnett Squares:
    • Determine the ratio of dominant to recessive traits in offspring.
    • Set up and interpret Punnett squares for two separate traits.
    • Use resulting trait ratios to deduce parent genotypes.

Non-Mendelian Genetics

  • Incomplete Dominance vs. Codominance:
    • Differentiate between these two types of non-Mendelian inheritance.
    • Provide examples for clarity.
  • Punnett Squares for Various Traits:
    • Prepare and interpret Punnett squares for X-linked traits, codominance, and incomplete dominance.
  • ABO Blood Types:
    • Understand blood type inheritance patterns (A, B, AB, O).

Genetic Engineering

  • Restriction Enzymes:
    • Learn how these enzymes cut DNA and the resulting structure of the DNA ends.
  • Cloning Plasmids:
    • Key components: origin of replication, resistance gene, and reporter gene.
    • Interpret results from cloning experiments.
  • Vaccine Generations:
    • Explain the various generations of vaccines used in medicine.

DNA Replication and Repair

  • DNA Replication Steps:
    • Explain the process of DNA replication in detail.
  • Leading vs. Lagging Strand:
    • Understand differences in structure and function during replication.
  • DNA Polymerase Activities:
    • Differentiate between exonuclease activity and mismatch repair.
  • Damage Consequences:
    • Recognize damage caused by depurination and deamination and the risks of uncorrected damage.

Transcription

  • Types of RNA:
    • Identify five major types of RNA and their cellular functions.
  • Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Transcription:
    • Understand the fundamental differences.
  • Double-Stranded DNA Analysis:
    • Identify DNA strands and the corresponding transcript produced.
  • RNA Processing:
    • Explain how the primary RNA transcript is modified into mature RNA.

Translation

  • mRNA to Amino Acid Sequence:
    • Given a mature mRNA, produce the corresponding amino acid sequence.
  • Translation Steps:
    • Understand initiation, elongation, and termination phases of translation.
  • Translation Machinery:
    • Appreciate the major components involved and their functions.
  • Efficiency Impact:
    • Consider how changes to the translational machinery affect protein production efficiency.

Protein Transport

  • Protein Targeting Mechanisms:
    • Identify mechanisms that direct proteins to the correct cellular location.
  • Vesicle Role:
    • Understand vesicle functions in protein transport.
  • Vesicle Formation:
    • Explain the key steps in vesicle formation.
  • Endocytosis and Exocytosis:
    • Discuss the significance of these processes in cellular transport.
  • Different Types of Cellular Ingestion:
    • Contrast phagocytosis, autophagy, and endocytosis.