Table of contents

1. Introduction to Genetics51m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
8. DNA Replication1h 10m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
10. Transcription1h 0m
11. Translation58m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
14. Genetic Control of Development44m
15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
16. Transposable Elements47m
17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

1. Introduction to Genetics

Fundamentals of Genetics

Genetics

1. Introduction to Genetics

Fundamentals of Genetics

Previous problemNext problem

0:31 minutes

Problem 10e

Textbook Question

Define each of the following terms:
Gene

Verified step by step guidance

A gene is a fundamental unit of heredity in living organisms. It is a segment of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) that contains the instructions for the synthesis of a specific protein or functional RNA molecule.

Genes are located on chromosomes, which are structures within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells or in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells.

Each gene consists of a sequence of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA. These nucleotides are arranged in a specific order to encode the information necessary for protein synthesis.

Genes can be expressed (turned on) to produce their corresponding proteins or RNA molecules, which perform various functions in the cell, such as catalyzing biochemical reactions, providing structural support, or regulating other genes.

The expression of genes is regulated by various factors, including environmental signals, regulatory proteins, and epigenetic modifications, ensuring that the correct proteins are produced at the right time and in the appropriate amounts.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

31s

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Gene

A gene is a fundamental unit of heredity in living organisms, composed of DNA. It serves as a blueprint for the synthesis of proteins, which perform various functions in the body. Genes are located on chromosomes and can influence traits such as eye color, height, and susceptibility to diseases. Each gene can exist in different forms, known as alleles, which contribute to genetic diversity.

DNA Structure

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a double-helix molecule that carries genetic information. It consists of two strands made up of nucleotides, which include a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The sequence of these bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine) encodes the instructions for building proteins. Understanding DNA structure is crucial for grasping how genes function and are inherited.

Alleles

Alleles are different versions of a gene that arise through mutations and can result in variations in traits. For example, a gene for flower color may have a red allele and a white allele. An individual inherits two alleles for each gene, one from each parent, which can be homozygous (same alleles) or heterozygous (different alleles). The combination of alleles determines the expression of traits in an organism.

Watch next

Master Genetics Basics with a bite sized video explanation from Kylia

Start learning