BIOL 1307 Exam 1 Study Guide – Step-by-Step Guidance

Q1. Compare and contrast asexual and sexual reproduction, including genetic similarity or difference between parents and offspring and among offspring, and the advantages and disadvantages of each mode.

Background

Topic: Modes of Reproduction

This question tests your understanding of the differences between asexual and sexual reproduction, focusing on genetic outcomes and evolutionary advantages/disadvantages.

Key Terms:

• Asexual reproduction: Reproduction without the fusion of gametes; offspring are genetically identical to the parent (clones).

• Sexual reproduction: Involves the fusion of gametes from two parents; offspring are genetically diverse.

• Genetic variation: Differences in DNA among individuals.

• Clone: An organism genetically identical to its parent.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Define asexual and sexual reproduction, focusing on whether offspring are genetically identical or different from parents and each other.

2. List at least two mechanisms for each mode (e.g., binary fission for asexual, fertilization for sexual).

3. Describe the main advantages of asexual reproduction (e.g., efficiency, rapid population growth) and disadvantages (e.g., lack of genetic diversity).

4. Describe the main advantages of sexual reproduction (e.g., increased genetic diversity) and disadvantages (e.g., slower, requires more energy).

5. Summarize how genetic variation is generated in each mode and why it matters for evolution.

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Q2. Describe the mechanisms of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes, protists, plants, and animals.

Background

Topic: Mechanisms of Asexual Reproduction

This question asks you to identify and describe how different groups of organisms reproduce asexually.

Key Terms:

• Binary fission: A form of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes.

• Budding, fragmentation, parthenogenesis: Common asexual mechanisms in animals and plants.

• Spores: Asexual reproductive cells in plants and fungi.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. For each group (prokaryotes, protists, plants, animals), list the main asexual reproduction mechanism(s).

2. Briefly describe how each mechanism works (e.g., binary fission involves DNA replication and cell division).

3. Give an example organism for each mechanism.

4. Explain how the offspring compare genetically to the parent.

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Q3. Describe the mechanisms of sexual reproduction, including gamete (and spore) production, fertilization, and embryo protection in protists, plants, and animals.

Background

Topic: Sexual Reproduction Mechanisms

This question focuses on the steps and adaptations involved in sexual reproduction across different kingdoms.

Key Terms:

• Gamete: Haploid reproductive cell (sperm or egg).

• Fertilization: Fusion of gametes to form a zygote.

• Spore: Haploid cell capable of developing into a new organism.

• Embryo protection: Mechanisms to ensure survival of the developing organism.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. For each group (protists, plants, animals), outline the process of gamete or spore production.

2. Describe how fertilization occurs in each group.

3. Explain any adaptations for embryo protection (e.g., seeds in plants, amniotic egg in animals).

4. Compare similarities and differences among the groups.

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Q4. Define chromosome, gene, and allele. How many alleles can a diploid organism have for each locus?

Background

Topic: Genetics Vocabulary

This question tests your understanding of basic genetic terminology and the concept of diploidy.

Key Terms:

• Chromosome: Structure made of DNA and proteins that carries genetic information.

• Gene: A segment of DNA that codes for a protein or RNA.

• Allele: Different versions of a gene at a specific locus.

• Locus: The physical location of a gene on a chromosome.

• Diploid: Having two sets of chromosomes (2n).

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Write a concise definition for chromosome, gene, and allele.

2. Explain what is meant by a locus.

3. State how many alleles a diploid organism can have for a single gene locus.

4. Relate this to homologous chromosomes.

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Q5. Name the phases of meiosis I, describe the events of each phase, and identify the ploidy level of cells at the end of meiosis I.

Background

Topic: Meiosis I

This question tests your knowledge of the stages of meiosis I and the changes in chromosome number.

Key Terms:

• Meiosis I: The first division in meiosis, separating homologous chromosomes.

• Ploidy: Number of sets of chromosomes in a cell.

• Phases: Prophase I, Metaphase I, Anaphase I, Telophase I, Cytokinesis.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. List the phases of meiosis I in order.

2. For each phase, briefly describe the key events (e.g., crossing over in Prophase I).

3. Explain what happens to homologous chromosomes during Anaphase I.

4. State the ploidy of the resulting cells after meiosis I.

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Q6. Use a Punnett square to figure out possible gamete genotypes and progeny genotypes for autosomal and X-linked traits.

Background

Topic: Mendelian Genetics

This question tests your ability to use Punnett squares to predict inheritance patterns for different types of traits.

Key Terms and Formulas:

• Punnett square: A diagram used to predict the genotypes of offspring from parental crosses.

• Autosomal trait: Trait determined by genes on non-sex chromosomes.

• X-linked trait: Trait determined by genes on the X chromosome.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Identify the parental genotypes for the trait in question.

2. List all possible gametes each parent can produce.

3. Draw a Punnett square and fill in the possible combinations of gametes.

4. Determine the genotypes and phenotypes of the progeny based on the Punnett square.

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