Cellular Genetics:

Every organism has a genome encoded with its DNA and divided into segments called genes.

Genes code for proteins.

Although all cells in an organism have identical genetic information, different genes are active in different types of cells.

Heredity Quick Guide

Structure and Function of DNA in Cells:

ATCG nucleotides in DNA will create UAGC nucleotides of RNA which are used by the ribosomes to construct the amino acid sequences of the protein.

codon » anticodon » amino acid sequence » protein (using the codon chart)

The sequence of DNA molecules in a chromosome determine the sequence of amino acids in a protein.

Genetic Mechanisms and Inheritance:

Crossing over, independent assortment, and recombination produces variation in traits as a result of meiosis.

Compare and contrast simple dominance, dihybrid crosses, linkage, incomplete dominance, sex-linked genes, pleiotropic genes, polygenic genes, and multiple allelic patterns.

Pedigrees are used to locate inheritance patterns.

Mutations:

An altered gene can be passed onto every cell that develops from it. The resulting features my help, harm, or have no effect on the offspring’s success in its environment.

When gene mutations occur in gametes, they can be passed onto offspring.

Inserting, deleting, or substituting segments of DNA

Modern Genetics:

Biotechnology: cloning and gene therapies; genetically engineered organisms; gel electrophoresis; role of restriction enzymes

Effects of biotechnology on the world (e.g., food supplies, oil-eating bacteria, “super” bugs, “frankenfish”)

Evolution Quick Guide

Mechanisms of Evolution:

Includes: gene flow (immigration, emigration), natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, speciation, sexual selection

Natural selection works on the phenotype and depends on location as well as adaptations.

Evidence for evolution: fossil record, molecular and structural homology, biogeography

Diversity of Life:

Evolution: change in gene frequency in a population

Populations evolve over time.

Use mathematical reasoning related to Hardy-Weinberg’s Equilibrium to explain or predict changes to a population.

Evolution is the consequence of the interactions of: » the potential for a population to increase its numbers » the genetic variability of offspring due to mutation and recombination of genes » a finite supply of resources required for life » the differential survival and reproduction of individuals with the specific phenotype

Speciation and biological classification can be based on molecular evidence: » allopatric, sympatric, parapatric, peripatric speciation » geographic, reproductive, behavioral, temporal isolation

Diversity and Interdependence of Life Quick Guide

Classification Systems:

Classification systems are frameworks developed by scientists for describing the diversity of organisms, indicating the degree of relatedness between organisms.

Classification using morphological (relating to form or structure) and molecular evidence.

Cladograms, dichotomous keys, phylogenetic trees, gene maps

Ecosystems - Homeostasis (Carrying Capacity

and Equilibrium/Disequilibrium):

Carrying Capacity: the number of organisms a region can support without environmental degradation

» interpret graphs of exponential (J) and logistic curves for population growth -limiting factors -habitat restoration -niche partitioning: the process by which competing species use the environment differently in a way that helps them to coexist -competition for resources -immigration/emigration -energy flow at ecosystem and molecular levels -biomagnification: the concentration of toxins in an organism as a result of its ingesting other plants or animals in which the toxins are more widely disbursed

Cells Quick Guide

Cell Structure and Function:

The cell is a functioning system (regulation, cell cycle, homeostasis, transport)

The cell has specialized parts for transport of materials (passive and active), energy transformation, protein building, waste disposal, and movement.

Eukaryotic vs. prokaryotic cells

Role of water and organic molecules (lipids, proteins, fats, carbohydrates) in cells

Tonicity

Cell Processes (characteristics of life

regulated by cellular processes):

Enzymes, a special group of proteins, enable chemical reactions to occur within living systems.

Properties of the cellular environment that affect the shape and function of the enzyme: pH, temperature, concentration

The essential functions of cells involve chemical

Cell Processes (photosynthesis,

chemosynthesis, cellular respiration):

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration transform energy through ATP and cycle carbon.

Cell Processes (cell division and

differentiation):

Concept of differentiation: although all cells in an organism have identical genetic information, different genes are active in different types of cells.

Cell specialization: multicellular organisms are composed of many specialized cells that differ in structure and function.

Mitosis is cell division of somatic cells producing 2 daughter cells identical to the parent cell. (diploid 2n)

Meiosis is cell division of the sex cells (gametes) producing 4 cells different from the parent cell and from each other. (haploid 1n)

Binary fission ("division in half") is a kind of asexual reproduction. It is the most common form of reproduction in prokaryotes such as bacteria.