B6 Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is the genetic material made from?
the genetic material in the nucleus of most cells is made from a chemical called DNA
What is DNA and where is it found?
- is a polymer made from 2 strands which twist around each other making a spiral ladder
- found inside most cell’s nucleus on a chromosome
Name the shape which best describes the DNA polymer
a double helix
What is a polymer?
is a large molecule made from many smaller molecules - called monomers
How is DNA organised inside the cell nucleus?
arranged in structures called chromosomes
Which is larger, a chromosome or a gene?
chromosome
What is a gene?
is a small section on a chromosome
What does a gene code for?
a particlar sequence of amino acids to make a specific protein
How are chromosomes found?
hint the human body cells
in human body cells the chromosomes are normally found in pairs
How many chromosomes does a cell have?
each cells have 23 pairs of chromosome
Write down the definition of the genome of an organism
the genome of an organisms is defined as the entire genetic material of that organism
List 3 reasons why it is important to understand more about the human genome
- to enable scientists to search for the genes linked to different types of diseases ( to look for possible treatment or correction)
- to enable doctors to better understand and treat inherited disorders
- to be able to trace historic human migration patterns
What is the ‘Human Genome Project’?
unknown yet
What is evolution?
a change in inherited characteristics of a population over time
What does the theory of evolution by natural selection say is the orgin of all life on Earth?
simple life form that first developed more than 3 billion years ago
What are the key words we use to describe how an organism evolves?
- mutation(is the DNA of the organism)
- genetic variation
- advantage(why?)
- survive & reproduce
- pass on genes
- change over time
How can evolution can lead to the formation of two new species from one population of organisms?
as 2 new species are formed when the organism can no longer breed to produce fertile offsprings
What is meant by genetic engineering?
where a gene for a desired characteristic from one organism is inserted into another organism at an early stage of development
Describe 3 uses of genetic engineering
For plants crops:
- bigger yield OR bigger/better fruits
- being resistant to diseases
For bacterial cell:
- is to produce useful sustances such as human insulin to treat diabetes
Explain the potential benefits of genetic engineering in agriculture
unknown yet
Explain the potential risks of genetic engineering in agriculture
unknown yet
Explain the potential benefits of genetic engineering in medicine
unknown yet
Explain the potential risks of genetic engineering in medicine
unknown yet
Describe the 4 main steps in genetic engineering
- cut out the desired gene using enzymes
- put the gene in to a vector (which is a plasmid or a virus)
- put the vector into the DNA of the cells of the plant
- it must be done at an early stage of the plants development
