Human Genetics Final Exam

Genetics is the study of variation of inherited traits because it focuses on understanding how traits are passed down from one generation to another. It explores the mechanisms of inheritance, such as DNA and genes, and how they contribute to the diversity of traits observed in individuals. By studying genetics, scientists can better understand how traits are inherited and how they can vary within populations, leading to a better understanding of evolution and the genetic basis of diseases.

Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes. Each pair consists of two chromosomes, one inherited from each parent, making a total of 46 chromosomes. These chromosomes carry genetic information and determine various traits and characteristics of an individual.

The correct answer is that genotype refers to the genetic instructions and phenotype to their expression. Genotype refers to the specific genetic makeup of an organism, including all the genes and alleles it possesses. Phenotype, on the other hand, refers to the observable characteristics or traits of an organism that are a result of the interaction between its genotype and the environment. In simpler terms, genotype is the blueprint or the set of instructions, while phenotype is the physical manifestation or expression of those instructions.

The correct answer is nucleus and mitochondrion. The nucleus is the organelle that contains the majority of a cell's DNA. It is responsible for storing and protecting the genetic information of the cell. The mitochondrion is another organelle that contains its own DNA. It is often referred to as the "powerhouse" of the cell because it is responsible for producing energy through a process called cellular respiration. Both the nucleus and mitochondrion play crucial roles in the cell's genetic and metabolic functions.

A genotype refers to particular allele combinations. This means that it represents the specific combination of alleles (different forms of a gene) that an individual possesses for a particular trait. Alleles can be dominant or recessive, and their combination determines the genetic makeup of an organism. The genotype influences the phenotype (physical characteristics) that an individual will exhibit.

The correct answer is DNA building block-gene-chromosome-genome. This is the correct order from smallest to largest because DNA building blocks are the individual units that make up DNA, genes are segments of DNA that code for specific traits, chromosomes are structures that contain DNA and genes, and genomes are the complete set of genetic material in an organism.

During apoptosis, caspases activate enzymes that cut DNA into same-sized pieces. Apoptosis is a programmed cell death process that occurs to remove damaged or unnecessary cells from the body. Caspases are a group of enzymes that play a crucial role in apoptosis. They cleave various proteins, including those involved in DNA repair and maintenance. Activation of specific enzymes by caspases leads to the fragmentation of DNA into smaller, evenly sized pieces, which allows for the efficient and controlled dismantling of the cell during apoptosis. This process prevents the release of harmful cellular contents and promotes the removal of the cell without causing inflammation or damage to neighboring cells.

Single-gene diseases can be predicted in specific relatives because they follow a clear pattern of inheritance. These diseases are caused by mutations in a single gene, and the inheritance pattern can be traced through generations. By studying the family history and genetic information, it is possible to determine the likelihood of the disease occurring in specific relatives. This is not the case for other diseases, which may have more complex causes and unpredictable patterns of inheritance.

The correct answer is that the law only applies to health insurance and employers, not life insurance. This means that Neka's assumption that the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act would protect him from being denied life insurance based on his genetic test results is incorrect. The law only prohibits discrimination based on genetic information in the context of health insurance and employment, but it does not extend to life insurance. Therefore, Neka's genetic test results could be used as a basis for denying him coverage.

Jamal's attitude illustrates the idea of genetic determinism. He believes that his grade on the physics midterm is solely determined by his genetics, specifically the lack of the "physics gene." He feels that studying is pointless because he believes his genetic makeup is the determining factor in his academic success. This notion of genetic determinism suggests that individuals' abilities and outcomes are predetermined by their genes, disregarding the influence of other factors such as effort, environment, or personal motivation.

The correct answer explains the sequence of events in signal transduction. It states that the first step is the binding of the first messenger to receptor molecules. This binding then triggers the production of second messengers, which act as signaling molecules within the cell. Finally, the second messengers initiate a cellular response, which can include changes in gene expression, enzyme activity, or other cellular processes.

Constructing a "diseasome" aims to connect diseases based on their shared gene expression patterns. By doing so, it becomes possible to identify new drug targets. This approach helps in understanding the underlying genetic factors that contribute to various diseases, enabling the discovery of potential targets for developing new drugs and treatments.