Year 9 science EOY(genetics and inheritance) Flashcards
(22 cards)
Describe the structure of DNA
DNA is a double stranded, double helix molecule
Where is DNA found in the cell
DNA is found in the nucleus of the cell. It is
arranged in chromosomes.
Define the term ‘gene’
A gene is a section of a chromosome that code for a particular characteristic e.g. hair colour.
state what is meant by an allele.
An allele is an alternate form of a gene. E.g. if
gene is eye colour, the allele may be blue eyes,
brown eyes, green eyes.
What is the difference between homozygous and heterozygous alleles.
Homozygous alleles are inherited alleles that are
the same. e.g. TT
Heterozygous alleles are inherited alleles that are
different e.g. Tt
what is meant by selective breeding?
Selective breeding is when humans choose
parents to breed together.
These parents have particular desirable
characteristics to and are likely to produce
offspring with the same desirable characteristics.
State what is meant by genetic engineering
Genetic engineering is a process which involves:
Changing the genes of an organism
by introducing a gene from another organism to
give a desired characteristic.
What does GMO stand for?
Genetically modified organism
describe what is meant by a clone.
Cloning is making a genetically identical copy of
an individual. It can happen naturally or
artificially.
What are the advantages of cloning?
Advantages of cloning include:
* Producing genetically identical organisms
* Potential for organ transplantation
* Preservation of endangered species
* Increased agricultural productivity
Cloning can also allow for the rapid reproduction of organisms with desirable traits.
What are the disadvantages of cloning?
Disadvantages of cloning include:
* Ethical concerns
* Reduced genetic diversity
* Potential for unforeseen health issues
* High costs of cloning technologies
Cloning raises significant ethical questions regarding identity and the nature of life.
Describe the process of nuclear transfer cloning.
The process of nuclear transfer cloning involves:
* Removing the nucleus from an egg cell
* Inserting a nucleus from a somatic cell into the egg
* Stimulating the egg to divide and develop into an embryo
* Implanting the embryo into a surrogate mother
This method was used to create Dolly the sheep, the first cloned mammal.
What are the advantages of genetically engineering organisms?
Advantages of genetically engineering organisms include:
* Increased resistance to pests and diseases
* Enhanced nutritional content
* Faster growth rates
* Ability to produce pharmaceuticals
Genetic engineering can lead to more efficient agricultural practices.
What are the disadvantages of genetically engineering organisms?
Disadvantages of genetically engineering organisms include:
* Potential long-term environmental impacts
* Ethical concerns
* Risk of gene transfer to non-target species
* Public health concerns
The implications of genetically engineered organisms are still being studied.
Describe the process of genetically engineering an organism to produce a product.
The process includes:
* Identifying the gene of interest
* Isolating the gene and inserting it into a vector
* Introducing the vector into the target organism
* Selecting for organisms that express the new gene
* Harvesting the product
Common products include insulin and other therapeutic proteins.
Describe the stages of selective breeding.
Stages of selective breeding include:
* Choosing parent organisms with desirable traits
* Mating the selected organisms
* Evaluating the offspring for desired characteristics
* Repeating the process across generations
Selective breeding aims to enhance specific traits in a population.
What are the differences between dominant and recessive alleles?
Differences include:
* Dominant alleles express their traits even in a single copy
* Recessive alleles express traits only when two copies are present
This distinction is fundamental in understanding inheritance patterns.
List some advantages of selectively breeding animals or plants.
Advantages include:
* Improved yield and productivity
* Enhanced disease resistance
* Better quality of products
* Adaptation to environmental changes
Selective breeding can lead to significant advancements in agriculture.
List some disadvantages of selectively breeding animals or plants.
Disadvantages include:
* Loss of genetic diversity
* Increased vulnerability to diseases
* Potential for undesirable traits to be enhanced
* Ethical considerations regarding animal welfare
Selective breeding practices need to be managed carefully to mitigate risks.
What is a genetically inherited disorder?
A genetically inherited disorder is a disease caused by abnormalities in an individual’s DNA.
These disorders can be inherited from one or both parents and may manifest in various ways.
How are genetically inherited disorders inherited?
Genetically inherited disorders can be inherited through:
* Autosomal dominant inheritance
* Autosomal recessive inheritance
* X-linked inheritance
The inheritance pattern affects the likelihood of passing the disorder to offspring.
