Genetics Vocabulary
This term refers to the physical appearance of an individual.
phenotype
DNA is the main part of _________ that is the carrier of genetic information in nearly all living organisms.
Chromosomes
What is the DNA base pairing rule?
A always binds to T, and G always binds to C.
Random mutations
What are any changes in DNA that randomly occur?
mutations
How many copies of a dominant allele are required for that trait to be expressed?
1
What part of DNA is a sugar molecule that gives DNA its name?
deoxyribose
Because two strands of DNA always follow the base pairing rule, we can say the two strands are what?
complementary
What is an adaptation? Give an example.
A heritable trait that allows species to become the fittest to its environment. (i.e. camouflage)
If the DNA double helix is like a ladder, which portion would make up the rungs of the ladder?
Nitrogenous bases
YY, Yy, or yy would be examples of an organism’s ____________.
genotype
What shape is DNA naturally found in?
Double helix
DNA base pairs are referred to as which of the three parts of a DNA molecule?
Nitrogenous base
Environment (Nature)
The process of changing the genetic material of a living organism is called...
Genetic Engineering, Genetic Modification, Biotechnology
What term means having two alleles that are the same?
homozygous
What two parts of a DNA molecule are always the same and are found making up the sides of the DNA molecule?
Phosphate group and deoxyribose
A first strand of DNA has the base pair code GGTCACTACAGT. What is the complementary code of the second strand?
CCAGTGATGTCA
What is needed for natural selection to occur?
Variation in traits, inheritable traits, difference in fitness
Different breeds of dogs being bred for different purposes is an example of what?
Artificial selection
What is the difference between a gene and an allele?
A gene is a hereditary unit passed down from parent to offspring. An allele is an alternative form of a gene that is like different “flavors” of a gene.
How is two meters of DNA able to fit inside the very tiny nucleus of a cell?
Because of its twisted shape it is able to be condensed and compacted down to a very tiny size.
If there are only four different types of DNA, how come so many people look and act so different from each other?
Each person has a lot of DNA in their body that they inherited half from mom and half from dad, so there is a lot of variety in what traits are expressed.
Natural selection is the process by which organisms with advantageous traits survive, reproduce, and pass on those traits to offsprings which leads to gradual evolutionary changes in population.
Why is it so important to know what a person's blood type is?
Knowing a person's blood type could help save that person's life in a life and death situation. It lets you know what type of blood they could safely receive. It also help you determine if a child belongs to a set of parents if there is any question about it.