Genetics
Different versions of a gene are called
Allele
Proteins are made from chains of these molecules
Amino acids
Why are proteins important to cells?
They carry out important functions in the cell
Lactase helps break down which molecule?
Lactose
a genetic mutation is defined as
a random change in DNA sequence.
This describes an individual with different alleles for the same trait.
Heterozygous
What is the relationship between a gene and a protein?
A gene contains the instructions for making a protein
This protein helps maintain the structure of skin and connective tissues
Collagen
What is the function of an enzyme?
To speed up chemical reactions
They would have lighter pigmentation
Explain the difference between genotype and phenotype
Genotype is an organism's genetic makeup
Phenotype is the observable trait
Why do muscle cells and skin cells produce different proteins even though they contain the same DNA?
Different genes are active in different cells
Why can proteins be used as evidence that organisms are related?
Closely related organisms often have similar proteins
Why might a change in an enzyme's shape affect its function?
The substrate may not be able to fit into the active site
Explain how a mutation could lead to a different trait
The mutation changes DNA, which may change the protein, which can result in a different trait
A scientist removes methyl groups from a gene. What is most likely to happen to that gene?
It is more likely to be turned on and expressed
Why is the order of amino acids important? State two reasons
The order determines the structure and function of the protein
A protein's function changes. What is the most likely result for the organism?
A trait or body process may change
A person produces lactase, but the enzyme cannot bind to lactose. What part of the enzyme is most likely affected?
The active site
Explain why mutations are important for populations over time
Mutations create genetic variation, which can lead to differences among organisms that will increase their survival and reproduction
How does turning genes on and off help multicellular organisms survive?
It allows specialized cells to produce only the proteins needed for their specific functions
DNA remains in the nucleus, while mRNA carries the instructions to the ribosome where proteins are made.
Why might two organisms with different traits still share many of the same proteins?
Many proteins are necessary for basic life functions and are shared among organisms
A cell produces lactase but lactose is not being broken down. What evidence suggests the enzyme may not be functioning properly?
Lactose remains undigested
Some mutations do not affect the protein or its function