Unit 4 Flashcards
Gene mutations
Any random changes to bases in DNA.
Insertion/deletion mutation
-A base is either inserted or deleted.
-Triplet codons change.
-Code for different amino acid.
-Different polypeptide chain is formed.
-Tertiary structure is different as hydrogen, ionic and disulfide bonds for elsewhere.
-Different protein with different function is formed.
Substitution mutation
Missense, Nonsense, Silent
Chromosome mutations
-Arise spontaneously.
-Changes in whole sets of DNA when there is more than 2 sets of DNA. Called polyploidy and occurs in plants.
-Changes in number of chromosomes. Non-disjunction of chromosomes so they don’t split properly resulting in one more or one less chromosomes. Leads to Down’s Syndrome.
Importance of meiosis
-During meiosis, homologous pairs of chromosomes separate so one chromosome from each pair enters the daughter cell.
-Known as haploid cell and has half the original number of chromosomes.
-At fertilisation, diploid number is restored.
Process of meiosis
-Meiosis 1- homologous chromosomes pair up and their chromatids cross over. By the end of it, homologous chromosomes split with one chromatid in each of the 2 daughter cells.
-Meiosis 2- chromatids move apart and cells are split again.
Prophase 1
Nuclear membrane breaks down and chromosomes condense.
Metaphase 1
-Homologous pairs of chromosomes line up next to each other on the equator.
-Spindle fibres attach at centromere.
-Crossing over occurs.
Anaphase 1
-Homologous pairs separate to each pole.
-Independent assortment occurs.
Telophase 1
-Nuclear membrane reforms
-Cell divides
Prophase 2
-Chromosomes condense
-Nuclear membrane breaks down
-Centromeres move apart
Metaphase 2
-Chromosomes line up on the equator
-Spindle fibres attach at centromere
Anaphase 2
-Centromeres split
-Chromatids move to opposite poles
Telophase 2
-Nuclear membrane reforms
-Chromosomes uncoil
-Cells divide
Independent assortment
-Random orientation of homologous chromosomes during metaphase 1.
-Production of gametes with different assortment.
Crossing over
-Prophase 2.
-Two chromosomes are joined at the synapse forming bivalent chromosomes.
-They have 4 arms or chromatids.
-Two non-sister chromatids get twisted and linked.
-Point of linkage is called chiasma.
-New combination of genes.
Gene
A length of DNA that codes for a polypeptide.
Locus
The position of the gene on a chromosome or DNA molecule.
Allele
One of the different forms of a particular gene.
Homologous chromosomes
A pair of chromosomes, one maternal, one paternal, they have the same gene loci.
Possible chromosome variations following meiosis
2^n
Genetic diversity
Total number of different alleles in a population.
Why are organisms different?
-Different alleles, more genetically diverse.
-Random fertilisation.
-Random fusion of gametes
Factors influencing genetic diversity
-Mutations
-Fertilisation
-Environment
-Meiosis (crossing over and independent assortment)
-Gene flow