Polymorphic DNA Markers Flashcards

1
Q

What are amino acids?

A

Building blocks of proteins; 20 different types that combine to form proteins.

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2
Q

What is the definition of proteins?

A

Large molecules made up of amino acid chains; crucial for cell structure and function.

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3
Q

Define DNA.

A

Genetic material in living cells; contains instructions for development, functioning, and reproduction.

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4
Q

What is RNA in molecular biology?

A

Another type of nucleic acid similar to DNA; involved in protein synthesis and cellular processes.

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5
Q

Explain nucleotide.

A

Basic unit of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA); consists of sugar, phosphate, and a nitrogenous base.

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6
Q

Define base in the context of DNA and RNA.

A

Nitrogenous compound forming the genetic code; adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine (DNA); adenine, uracil, cytosine, guanine (RNA).

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7
Q

What is a mutation in DNA?

A

A change in the DNA sequence; can lead to trait variations and genetic disorders.

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8
Q

What does the term “gene” mean?

A

A segment of DNA carrying instructions for building proteins or functional RNA molecules.

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9
Q

Define independent assortment.

A

The random distribution of alleles for different genes during the formation of gametes.

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10
Q

What is genotype?

A

An individual’s genetic makeup, including specific alleles for particular genes.

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11
Q

Explain phenotype.

A

Observable characteristics determined by both genetic and environmental factors.

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12
Q

What is an allele?

A

One of the alternative forms of a gene occupying a specific position on a chromosome.

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13
Q

Define dominant allele.

A

An allele that determines the phenotype even if only one copy is present.

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14
Q

Define recessive allele.

A

An allele expressed in the phenotype only when two copies are present.

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15
Q

What is genetic recombination?

A

The process during meiosis where new combinations of genetic material are produced.

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16
Q

Explain meiosis.

A

The process of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing gametes.

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17
Q

What are germ-line mutations?

A

Mutations occurring in cells giving rise to eggs and sperm, passed on to offspring.

18
Q

Define genome.

A

The complete set of genetic material present in a cell or organism.

19
Q

What are genetic polymorphisms?

A

Naturally occurring genetic variations within a population.

20
Q

What are discrete traits?

A

Traits determined by a single gene or a small number of genes, showing distinct variations.

21
Q

Explain quantitative traits.

A

Traits influenced by multiple genes, showing a range of continuous variation.

22
Q

What do DNA exons code for?

A

DNA exons code for proteins.

23
Q

What is the definition of a mutation in germline?

A

Any change to the genomic sequence in germline cells.

24
Q

What are the base pairs in DNA?

A

G pairs with C; T pairs with A.

25
Q

Define transitions in molecular biology.

A

Mutation involving the replacement of one purine or pyrimidine with another of the same type.

26
Q

What are transversions?

A

Mutations involving the replacement of a purine with a pyrimidine or vice versa.

27
Q

Define bases in DNA and RNA.

A

A pairs with T, C pairs with G; purines (A, G) and pyrimidines (T, C) in DNA.

28
Q

What is the definition of point mutation?

A

Mutation involving the substitution of a single nucleotide.

29
Q

Explain DNA barcoding.

A

Using DNA markers to identify species present; e.g., in eDNA barcoding for conservation monitoring.

30
Q

What are some applications of DNA markers for ecologists?

A

Parentage analysis, DNA barcoding, identifying management units, estimating migration rates, and genetic diversity.

31
Q

Name currently popular neutral DNA markers for ecologists.

A

Sequences of mitochondrial genes (COI), Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), Sequences from nuclear genes (RUBISCO, rDNA), Microsatellites (STRs).

32
Q

How is modern DNA marker analysis conducted?

A

Collect tissue, extract DNA, PCR amplify target DNA, and determine genotypes using PCR assays or sequencing.

33
Q

What are the advantages of PCR assays in DNA marker analysis?

A

Genotyping small samples, easy extraction methods, and obtaining millions of target DNA copies.

34
Q

How can DNA markers be used for conservation monitoring?

A

Example: DNA barcoding to identify illegal capture of protected whale species, using portable PCR laboratories for on-site analysis.

35
Q

What is the significance of parentage analysis using microsatellites?

A

Identifying the biological father, often used in wildlife and conservation studies.

36
Q

How can DNA marker dispersal estimates be measured?

A

Using microsatellites and running PCR products on an automated machine, estimating migration along specific transects.

37
Q

What is the aim of the Northern abalone hatchery-outplanting project?

A

Conservation, education, and commercial sale for food; using captive breeding to augment the threatened wild population.

38
Q

How is genetic variation reduced in captive breeding programs?

A

Through genetic drift; demonstrated in the case of hatchery-outplanted abalone.

39
Q

What factors should be considered when choosing DNA markers for research projects?

A

Application-dependent factors such as mtDNA sequences for multiple species ID, nuclear DNA sequences for plant species ID, and SNPs or genome sequences for various analyses.

40
Q

Why are primer sets specific in DNA marker analysis?

A

Specific primer sets are used for the identification of a single species, useful when gene flow is high.

41
Q

What is the essence of knowing about neutral DNA markers for modern ecologists?

A

It is essential for various ecological applications, including understanding population structures, migration rates, and genetic diversity.

42
Q

What is the role of PCR-based methods in DNA marker analysis?

A

They require few cells, and the best technique depends on the specific application.