DNA & genetic disorders
What does DNA stand for?
Deoxyribonucleic acid
You inherit approximately 50% of your nuclear DNA from your biological mother and 50% from your biological father.
Fact
What genetic disorder causes red blood cells to become sickle-shaped?
Sickle cell disease
What laboratory technique is used to make millions of copies of a specific DNA segment?
PCR
what is a chromosome ?
A chromosome is a structure inside a cell that carries DNA, which contains the genetic instructions for how your body grows, develops, and functions.
What is the difference between nature and nurture?
Nature refers to genetic influences; nurture refers to environmental influences.
Which condition is most likely caused by mutations that result in uncontrolled cellular proliferation?
Leukemia
How many chromosomes are typically found in a human body cell?
46
If both parents have brown eyes, their child cannot have blue eyes.
MYTH Eye color is influenced by multiple genes, and two brown-eyed parents can have a blue-eyed child.
Down syndrome is typically caused by an extra copy of which chromosome?
Chromosome 21
What technique separates DNA fragments based on their size?
Gel electrophoresis
What is the difference between a genetic test and genetic testing?
Simple Analogy
A child has the same eye color as their biological father. Is this an example of nature or nurture?
Nature
what is an important gene associated with breast cancer in black woman
BRCA1
What is the difference between a gene and a chromosome?
A gene is a segment of DNA; a chromosome is a long DNA molecule packaged with proteins that contains many genes
A person can carry a genetic disorder without showing any symptoms.
FACT — Someone can carry a recessive disease-causing variant without developing the disorder.
What inherited neurological disorder causes progressive damage to brain cells and is typically passed down through autosomal dominant inheritance?
Huntington’s disease
What is a karyotype used to examine?
The number and appearance of chromosomes
What is a Genetic Mutation?
A genetic mutation is a change in an organism's DNA that can affect how the body develops or functions.
A child develops an accent similar to the people they grew up around. Is this primarily nature or nurture?
Nurture
Is Cancer inherited or Genetic disorder ?
A mutation occurs in a person’s DNA. Does this automatically mean they will develop a genetic disorder? Explain.
No. Mutations may be harmful, harmless, or occasionally beneficial
Identical twins have exactly the same DNA throughout their entire lives.
MYTH — Mutations can occur after the embryo splits, creating genetic differences.
Two parents are healthy but both carry a recessive variant associated with Tay-Sachs disease. What is the probability their child will inherit the disorder?
25% with each pregnancy
A scientist wants to determine whether a patient has an extra copy of chromosome 21. What test could help identify this?
Karyotyping
What is a Karyotype?
A karyotype is an organized image of all the chromosomes in a cell that allows scientists to look for chromosome abnormalities
Can environmental factors influence how genes are expressed without changing the DNA sequence?
Yes. Environmental factors can influence gene expression.
Name genes responsible for cancer ?
BRCA1
P53
KRAS
HER2
What is the difference between a genetic disorder and an inherited disorder? Give one example of each and explain your choice.
A person’s environment and lifestyle can influence how certain genes are expressed without changing their DNA sequence.
FACT — Environmental factors can influence gene expression.
A person has a very high number of abnormal blood cells. Scientists observe the phenotype of uncontrolled cellular proliferation (cells dividing rapidly and excessively).
Leukmia
During gel electrophoresis, why do smaller DNA fragments generally travel farther than larger fragments?
Smaller DNA fragments travel farther during gel electrophoresis because they can move through the tiny pores of the gel more easily than larger DNA fragments.
: A genetic disorder that is passed from parents to their children through DNA ( give an example )
Inherited disorder
A child has a genetic predisposition toward obesity but maintains a healthy weight through adulthood. What does this demonstrate about nature and nurture?
Genetic predispositions do not guarantee outcomes; environmental and lifestyle factors also matter.
What is the relationship between genetics and cancer risk?
Genetics can increase a person's risk of developing cancer, but other factors and additional mutations often contribute to whether cancer develops.