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PCB3063 Ch 1 Overview of Genetics

1.

An organism's genome consists of ______.

the DNA found in all of its chromosomes

2.

The branch of biology that deals with heredity and variation is

genetics

3.

Which of the following are correct descriptions of a gene?

- A segment of DNA that produces a functional product

- A unit of heredity

- A segment of DNA that influences one or more traits of an organism

4.

The functional product of most genes is a(n)

protein, polypeptide, polypeptides, proteins, or RNA

5.

The term that describes all of the DNA found in all of an organism's chromosomes is

genome

6.

Genes are often described according to the way they affect the characteristics of an organism, which are called

traits

7.

Genetics is the branch of biology that deals with ______.

heredity and variation

8.

Which of the following molecules are nucleic acids?

- DNA

- RNA

9.

A gene can be described as a unit of heredity or as a segment of _____

that produces a functional product.

DNA

10.

The building blocks of DNA are called

nucleotides, nucleotide, or deoxyribonculeotides

11.

A gene is a segment of DNA that produces a functional product, which is usually a(n) ____ , or as a unit of heredity that affects an organism's ____.

- polypeptide or protein

- traits, characteristics, or phenotype

12.

Genes are the source of products for cellular function. The product of most genes is a ______.

polypeptide

13.

Of the macromolecules found in living cells, the largest one is

DNA

14.

A trait is a ______.

characteristic of an organism

15.

In a eukaryotic cell, the ____ is surrounded by a double membrane that protects the chromosomes from the rest of the cellular components.

nucleus, nuclei, or DNA

16.

Both DNA and RNA are ______ acids.

nucleic

17.

DNA is made of ______.

nucleotides

18.

In a eukaryotic cell, what are the advantages of having the chromosomes organized within a cell nucleus?

- It protects the chromosomes from damage.

- It provides a single compartment for activities such as gene transcription.

19.

What is the largest macromolecule found in living cells?

DNA

Reason:

A protein has hundreds or thousands of amino acids compared to a single DNA molecule with hundreds of millions of nucleotides.

20.

Which of the following are potential functions of proteins?

- Transport ions across the cell membrane

- Aid in cell structure and stability

- Accelerate chemical reactions

21.

Where are the chromosomes located in a eukaryotic cell?

In the nucleus

22.

An enzyme is a protein that ______.

accelerates a chemical reaction

23.

An enzyme that breaks molecules into smaller components is called a(n) ____ enzyme, and an enzyme that synthesizes macromolecules is called a(n) ____ enzyme.

- catabolic

- anabolic

24.

The abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid is

DNA

25.

Organizing chromosomes within a cell nucleus protects chromosomes from mechanical damage and provides a single ____ for genetic activities such as transcription.

compartment or location

26.

What is the genetic material of all living organisms composed of?

DNA

27.

Which cellular molecules can accelerate chemical reactions, transport substances across the membrane, and provide structure and stability for a cell?

Proteins

28.

A protein that can accelerate a chemical reaction is called a(n)

enzyme, enzymes, or catalyst

29.

What is the main function of a cell's genetic material?

to code the production of proteins in the correct cell, at the proper time, and in suitable amounts

30.

What are some of the functions of enzymes in cells?

- They breakdown molecules and macromolecules into smaller units.

- They synthesize molecules and macromolecules.

31.

A DNA molecule is a linear sequence of subunits called

nucelotides

32.

Adenine, thymine, guanine and cytosine are nitrogen-containing bases found in ______.

each nucleotide of DNA

33.

True or false: All living organisms have genetic material composed of DNA.

True

Reason:

The genetic material of all living organisms is made of DNA. Viruses, some of which have RNA genomes, are not living entities.

34.

The information in a(n) ____ molecule is stored in the sequence of its nucleotide bases.

DNA, RNA, DNA/RNA, or DNA or RNA

35.

The primary function of DNA is to code for the production of

proteins, polypeptides, protein, polypeptide, or RNA

36.

Most genes contain the information to direct the synthesis of a polypeptide. The order of amino acids in the polypeptide is specified according to the ____ code.

genetic

37.

What are the subunits of DNA?

Nucleotides

38.

In the genetic code, there are 64 codons consisting of ____ nucleotide(s) each that specify the 20 different amino acids. (Your answer will be a number).

3

39.

What are the four nitrogen-containing bases found in the nucleotides that make up DNA?

Guanine

Adenine

Thymine

Cytosine

40.

In living cells, DNA is found in large structures called ____, which are contained in the nucleus of a eukaryotic cell.

chromosomes

41.

In a DNA molecule, information is contained in the sequence of ______.

nitrogenous bases

42.

Which cellular molecules can accelerate chemical reactions, transport substances across the membrane, and provide structure and stability for a cell?

Proteins

43.

The genetic code directs the order of ______ within a polypeptide based on the sequence of nucleotides within a DNA molecule.

amino acids

44.

What is a karyotype?

A micrograph of all of the chromosomes in a cell

45.

In the genetic code, how many nucleotides are necessary to specify one amino acid?

3

46.

The DNA of human chromosomes is ______.

long

double-stranded

linear

47.

What structures in a cell contain DNA?

Chromosomes

48.

True or false: An average human chromosome contains approximately two million genes.

False

49.

A micrograph of the chromosomes in a cell is called a(n)

karyotype

50.

What is gene expression?

The use of a gene sequence to affect the characteristics of a cell or organism.

51.

When a structural gene is expressed, its DNA sequence is ____ into RNA, which is then ___ to produce a polypeptide.

- transcripted

- translated

52.

During transcription, the DNA sequence of a gene is copied into a sequence of ______.

RNA

53.

Approximately how many genes are found on a typical human chromosome?

1000 different genes

54.

The process of using a gene sequence to affect the characteristics of cells and organisms is called gene ______.

expression

55.

Place the molecules produced when a gene is expressed in the correct sequence beginning with the gene.

1. DNA

2. mRNA

3. Protein

56.

RNA is an abbreviation for ______.

ribonucleic acid

57.

The process by which a DNA sequence is copied into an RNA sequence is called

transcription

58.

A structural gene is a gene that encodes a(n)

protein, polypeptide, proteins, or polypeptides

59.

What type of RNA contains the information required to synthesize a protein?

Messenger RNA

60.

What is translation?

The synthesis of a polypeptide based on the sequence of mRNA

61.

What does the central dogma of genetics describe?

The pathway of gene expression from DNA to RNA to protein

62.

During transcription, the DNA sequence of a gene is copied into a sequence of ______.

RNA

63.

Match each trait with the correct example.

  • Morphological trait The color of a flower
  • Physiological trait The rate at which a bacterium metabolizes a sugar
  • Behavioral trait The mating call of a bird species
64.

What is a structural gene?

A gene that contains the information to synthesize a protein

65.

A trait that affects the appearance, form, and structure of an organism is called a(n) ____ trait. A trait that affects the ability of an organism to function is called a(n) ____ trait. A trait that affects the way an organism responds to its environment is called a(n) ____ trait.

- morphological

- physiological

- behavioral

66.

When a protein-encoding gene is transcribed, the RNA molecule that is produced is referred to as ___ RNA (mRNA).

messenger

67.

Genes affect traits at several levels of biological organization. Match each level of organization with the correct description of gene function.

  • Molecular level A DNA sequence is transcribed in to RNA, which is translated into protein.
  • Cellular level The function of a protein in a cell affects the structure and function of the cell.
  • Organism level A flower appears red because its cells synthesize a red pigment.
  • Population level Beneficial traits evolve because they enhance the reproductive success of some members of a population.
68.

The synthesis of a polypeptide based on the nucleotide sequence of a messenger RNA molecule is called

translation

69.

What is a species?

A group of organisms that maintains a distinctive set of attributes

70.

The pathway of gene expression from DNA to RNA to protein is referred to as the ____ ____ genetics.

central dogma

71.

Alternative versions of the same gene are called

alleles

72.

The color of a butterfly is an example of a(n) ______ trait.

morphological trait

73.

Match each type of trait with the correct description.

  • Morphological trait A trait that affects the appearance, form, and structure of an organism
  • Physiological trait A trait that affects the ability of an organism to function
  • Behavioral trait A trait that affects the way an organism responds to its environment.
74.

Different alleles of the same gene have different ___ sequences.

DNA, nucleotide, or nucleotides

75.

Transcription and translation lead to gene expression at the ______ level. The evolution of beneficial traits that enhance reproductive success is an example of how genetics affects a species at the ______ level.

molecular; population

76.

A group of organisms that maintains a distinctive set of attributes is called a(n)

species or specie

77.

What are alleles?

Alternative versions of the same gene

78.

Differences in inherited traits among individuals within a population are referred to as genetic

variation, diversity, variability, variations, or variance

79.

The genetic variation among individuals within a population can be explained by differences in the sequence of

DNA

80.

How do alleles differ from one another?

They have slightly different DNA sequences.

81.

Which of the following are genomic alterations that may induce genetic variation?

Changes in chromosome number

Gene mutations

Changes in chromosome structure

82.

Changes in the nucleotide sequence of a single gene that result in two or more alleles for that gene are called gene

mutations

83.

Genetic variation describes differences in ______.

inherited traits among individuals within a population

84.

True or false: All gene mutations that have an effect on a cell or organism alter the structure and function of the protein encoded by the gene.

False

85.

What underlies the majority of the genetic variation among individuals within a population?

Differences in the nucleotide sequence of DNA

86.

Down syndrome is the result of ______.

a change in total chromosome number

87.

True or false: An organism's environment can affect its morphological and physiological traits.

True

Reason:

Both genes and the environment can influence an organism's traits.

88.

Genetic variation can be attributed to gene ____ that affect the sequence of a single gene or alterations in the structure or total number of ____.

mutations; chromosomes

89.

What is a gene mutation?

A change in the base pair sequence of a gene

90.

Gene mutations can affect the traits of an organism because they can alter the expression or function of the ____ encoded by the gene.

protein, proteins, or polypeptide

91.

The term diploid means that a cell or organism has ______.

two copies of every chromosome

92.

Variation in human eye color is due to ______.

variation of sequences within genes

Reason:

Changes in chromosome number often cause harmful changes rather than producing harmless variations such as differing eye colors.

Reason:

Changes in chromosome structure often cause harmful changes rather than producing harmless variations such as differing eye colors.

93.

An organism's traits can be affected by its genes and also by its

environment

94.

In this figure, two copies of chromosome 13 are circled. These two copies of chromosome 13 are called of each other.

homologs, homologues, homologous, or homolog

95.

Which of the following are genomic alterations that may induce genetic variation?

Changes in chromosome structure

Gene mutations

Changes in chromosome number

96.

The two chromosomes in a homologous pair contain ______.

copies of the same genes, which may or may not be identical alleles

97.

A cell or organism that contains two copies of every chromosome is said to be

diploid or somatic

98.

In a multicellular organism, cells that are not directly involved in sexual reproduction are called ____ cells.

somatic

99.

How many chromosomes would be found in a diploid human cell?

46

100.

In a diploid organism, the two copies of a chromosome are referred to as ______.

homologs

101.

A human sperm cell contains ______ chromosome(s).

23

102.

Which of the following cells are gametes?

Sperm

Egg

103.

True or false: A pair of homologous chromosomes always contains identical alleles of the same genes.

False

104.

A cell that contains a single set of chromosomes is called

haploid or monoploid

105.

What are somatic cells?

Cells that are not involved in sexual reproduction

106.

A human somatic cell contains ____ chromosomes.

46

107.

A human egg cell would contain ____ chromosomes.

23

108.

The union of gametes at fertilization restores ______.

the diploid number of chromosomes

109.

Sperm and egg cells are also called ______.

gametes

110.

What is the primary advantage of sexual reproduction over asexual reproduction?

Sexual reproduction enhances genetic variation.

111.

A cell that is haploid contains ______ set(s) of chromosomes.

1

112.

Changes in the genetic makeup of a population from one generation to the next represent

evolution, microevolution, or biological evolution

113.

In a multicellular organism, cells that are not directly involved in sexual reproduction are called ____ cells.

somatic

114.

An allele that improves the ability of individuals to survive and reproduce may become more prevalent in future generations due to

natural selection

115.

Match each model organism shown in the image to the correct name.

  • A Escherichia coli
  • B Saccharomyces cerevisiae
  • C Drosophila melanogaster
  • D Caenorhabditis elegans
  • E Mus musculus
  • F Arabidopsis thaliana
116.

During sexual reproduction, the process in which gametes unite to restore the diploid number of chromosomes is called

fertilization

117.

The inheritance of genes and the way that genes influence traits is the focus of ____ genetics.

transmission

118.

One of the main advantages of sexual reproduction is that it increases ____ variation.

genetic

119.

How are genes passed from parents to offspring?

In sperm and egg cells

120.

What is evolution?

Change in the genetic makeup of a population from one generation to the next

121.

The breeding of two selected individuals and the analysis of their offspring is referred to as ______.

a genetic cross

122.

After a random mutation creates a new allele that may be harmful, neutral or beneficial, which of the following may occur during natural selection?

A beneficial allele may become more prevalent in future generations

Individuals carrying a beneficial allele are more likely to reproduce and pass on the allele

123.

Which area of genetics focuses on the biochemical understanding of DNA and gene expression?

Molecular genetics

124.

Match the scientific name of each organism with its common name.

  • Escherichia coli Bacterium
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast
  • Drosophila melanogaster Fruit fly
  • Caenorhabditis elegans Nematode worm
  • Mus musculus Mouse
  • Arabidopsis thaliana Flowering plant
125.

The term genetic approach refers to the study of ______.

mutant genes with abnormal function

126.

Which field of genetics focuses on how genes are passed on from parents to offspring?

Transmission genetics

127.

A mutation that eliminates the function of a gene is called a(n) -___ of- ___ mutation.

loss; function

128.

Mendel proposed that factors, which we now call ____ , are passed from parents to offspring via sperm and egg cells.

genes

129.

If fruit flies normally have red eyes and a loss-of-function mutation in a certain gene results in white eyes, then the role of the normal gene is the production of pigment that is ___ in color.

red

130.

What is a genetic cross?

The breeding of two individuals and the analysis of their offspring

131.

The field of genetics that focuses on the relationship of genetic variation to an organism's environment is called genetics.

population

132.

Which of the following topics is the focus of molecular genetics?

The biochemical structure and function of DNA

133.

Which approach involves implementation of the scientific method to test an explanation for a natural phenomenon?

Hypothesis testing

134.

The study of mutant genes with abnormal function in order to better understand the function of a normal gene is referred to as a(n) ___ approach.

genetic

135.

Because genetics is a quantitative science, researchers often rely on methods to analyze the data and make conclusions.

statistical or mathematical

136.

A loss-of-function mutation is a mutation that ______.

eliminates the function of a gene

137.

One useful strategy for solving problems in genetics is to propose a(n) ____, which is an attempt to explain an observation or data.

hypothesis

138.

If a plant normally produces red flowers and a loss-of-function mutation within a certain gene results in production of white flowers, what is the role of the functional gene?

Production of red pigments

139.

What is the focus of population genetics?

The relationship between genetic variation and an organism's environment

140.

What is the difference between hypothesis testing and discovery-based science?

Discovery-based science does not require a preconceived hypothesis.

141.

You are studying genetic data about the prevalence of a disease from a large family, but it is not organized in any particular way. To better understand the data, which genetics problem solving strategy should you employ?

Make a drawing

142.

You are trying to solve a genetics problem that asks you to determine how two proteins differ from one another. Which problem-solving strategy would be most helpful for this question?

Compare and contrast