Population Genetics
What is the Hardy-Weinberg rule?
It states that allele frequencies stay constant if no evolutionary forces act on the population.
How do point mutations affect protein function?
Point mutations can change an amino acid, potentially altering protein function, stability, or activity.
What is CRISPR-Cas9, and how is it used?
CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing tool that cuts DNA at specific locations to alter genes
What are genetic limits in evolution?
Genetic limits are the boundaries set by genetic variation that restrict evolutionary change.
What is a chromosomal mutation?
A change in the structure or number of chromosomes, affecting gene function.
What is genetic drift?
It is the random change in allele frequencies, strongest in small populations.
What is the difference between silent, missense, and nonsense mutations?
Silent mutations don’t change the protein; missense changes one amino acid; nonsense introduces a stop codon, truncating the protein.
What are the ethical concerns of genetic engineering in humans?
Concerns include misuse, unintended effects, inequality, and consent issues.
How do genetic bottlenecks affect diversity?
Bottlenecks reduce genetic diversity by shrinking population size and losing alleles.
What are the types of chromosomal mutations?
Deletions, duplications, inversions, translocations, and aneuploidy.
What is gene flow?
The movement of genes between populations through migration.
How can mutations in regulatory regions affect gene expression?
Mutations in promoters or enhancers can increase or decrease gene expression by altering transcription factor binding.
How do plasmids function in genetic engineering?
Plasmids carry foreign genes into host cells for gene expression or protein production.
What role do mutations play in genetic limits?
Mutations provide new variation but occur slowly, limiting adaptation.
How do chromosomal deletions affect an organism?
Deletions remove genes, causing developmental or health issues.
What is the founder effect?
A loss of genetic variation when a new population starts from a small group.
How do frameshift mutations affect protein structure?
Frameshift mutations shift the reading frame, often creating a nonfunctional protein.
What is gene therapy, and how is it different from traditional drugs?
Gene therapy changes genes to treat diseases, while drugs treat symptoms.
How does genetic drift affect genetic limits?
Genetic drift reduces diversity, especially in small populations, pushing toward genetic limits.
What is a translocation mutation?
A chromosome segment moves to another chromosome, potentially disrupting genes.
How does population genetics help protect animals?
It tracks genetic diversity to support conservation and prevent inbreeding.
What role does DNA repair play in mutation accumulation?
DNA repair prevents harmful mutations by correcting errors during replication or damage repair.
How does transgenesis differ from gene editing?
Transgenesis adds foreign DNA; gene editing alters existing DNA.
What is inbreeding depression?
Inbreeding depression is the reduced fitness from breeding closely related individuals, limiting adaptability.
What is aneuploidy?
Aneuploidy is having an abnormal number of chromosomes, leading to disorders like Down syndrome.