BIOL 207 Molecular Genetics and Heredity Review Questions and Detailed Answers

Typical definition of GeneticsThe study of genes, heredity, and genetic variation What is a gene?•Basic unit of heredity •Sequence of DNA that codes for a product (RNA or protein) and it's regulatory regions •Located on chromosomes What is an allele?One of two or more versions of a gene What is a genome?•The complete set of genetic material in a cell (including mitochondrial, chloroplast, plasmid DNA) •Includes genes as well as non-coding DNA regions Genes vs Traits/phenotypes•Genes are inherited •Traits/phenotype are not directly inherited •Traits/phenotype •Observable characteristic •Manifest as a result of the genes an individual carries, and the environment that influences the expression of the genes •Heritable trait - when a particular trait can be passed genetically Central dogmaDNA -> RNA -> Protein Since all organisms are thought to have evolved from a common ancestor this implies?the coding system for genetic information is the same in all living organisms ATCG Model Genetic OrganismsOrganisms with characteristics that make them useful for genetic analysis -six have been the most intensively studied genetically Six most intensively studied organismsFruit fly, E. coli (bacterium), Nematode, Arabidopsis thaliana, house mouse, bakers yeast Common characteristics of model organisms1. Short generation time 2. Production of numerous progeny 3. The ability to carry out controlled genetic crosses 4. The ability to be reared in a laboratory environment