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General Biology Study Guide: Genetics, Cell Cycle, DNA, and Cell Division

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Q1. Is it true that a gene that is homozygous dominant will always be expressed?

Background

Topic: Genetics – Dominance and Expression

This question tests your understanding of how dominant alleles are expressed in homozygous and heterozygous genotypes.

Key Terms:

  • Homozygous dominant: Two dominant alleles (e.g., AA)

  • Gene expression: Whether a trait is visible or not

  • Dominant allele: An allele that masks the effect of a recessive allele

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall that a dominant allele is expressed whenever it is present, whether in homozygous (AA) or heterozygous (Aa) form.

  2. Consider what "homozygous dominant" means: both alleles are dominant.

  3. Think about whether there are any exceptions to dominant allele expression (e.g., incomplete dominance, codominance, or environmental effects).

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q2. Explain a common pathway in which we get cancer. What happens during the cell cycle and what checkpoints have to fail?

Background

Topic: Cell Cycle Regulation and Cancer

This question tests your understanding of how disruptions in the cell cycle can lead to cancer, focusing on checkpoints and regulatory mechanisms.

Key Terms:

  • Cell cycle: The series of phases cells go through to divide

  • Checkpoints: Control mechanisms (G1, G2, M) that ensure proper division

  • Cancer: Uncontrolled cell division

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Review the phases of the cell cycle: G1, S, G2, and M.

  2. Identify the main checkpoints: G1 (cell size, DNA integrity), G2 (DNA replication), and M (chromosome alignment).

  3. Consider what happens if these checkpoints fail (e.g., mutations, uncontrolled division).

  4. Think about how mutations in genes like proto-oncogenes or tumor suppressors can lead to cancer.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q4. What is homozygous dominant? Homozygous recessive? Heterozygous? What do they look like?

Background

Topic: Genetics – Genotype and Phenotype

This question tests your ability to distinguish between different genotypes and predict their phenotypes.

Key Terms:

  • Homozygous dominant: Two dominant alleles (AA)

  • Homozygous recessive: Two recessive alleles (aa)

  • Heterozygous: One dominant and one recessive allele (Aa)

  • Phenotype: Observable trait

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Define each genotype: homozygous dominant (AA), homozygous recessive (aa), heterozygous (Aa).

  2. Recall how dominant and recessive alleles affect phenotype.

  3. Consider what each genotype would look like in terms of trait expression.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q5. In a monohybrid cross between two heterozygous parents (Tt), what would the probable outcome of offspring be? Do the Punnett square.

Background

Topic: Mendelian Genetics – Monohybrid Cross

This question tests your ability to use a Punnett square to predict offspring genotypes and phenotypes.

Key Terms and Formula:

  • Monohybrid cross: Cross between parents differing in one trait

  • Punnett square: Diagram to predict genetic outcomes

  • Genotype: Genetic makeup (TT, Tt, tt)

  • Phenotype: Observable trait

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Set up the Punnett square for Tt x Tt.

  2. List possible gametes from each parent: T and t.

  3. Fill in the Punnett square to show all possible combinations.

  4. Count the genotypes and phenotypes in the offspring.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q6. What is the function of all the DNA replication enzymes? DNA polymerase 1 and 3, helicase, primase, ligase, telomerase

Background

Topic: DNA Replication

This question tests your knowledge of the roles of various enzymes in DNA replication.

Key Terms:

  • DNA polymerase I: Removes RNA primers, replaces with DNA

  • DNA polymerase III: Synthesizes new DNA strands

  • Helicase: Unwinds DNA helix

  • Primase: Synthesizes RNA primers

  • Ligase: Joins DNA fragments

  • Telomerase: Extends telomeres

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the order of events in DNA replication.

  2. Match each enzyme to its specific function in the process.

  3. Think about which enzymes are involved in leading vs. lagging strand synthesis.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q7. A DNA sequence of AGT codes for which RNA sequence?

Background

Topic: Transcription – DNA to RNA

This question tests your ability to transcribe a DNA sequence into its corresponding RNA sequence.

Key Terms:

  • Transcription: Process of making RNA from DNA

  • Base pairing: A-U, G-C in RNA

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the base pairing rules for transcription: A pairs with U, G with C, T with A.

  2. Write out the RNA sequence corresponding to AGT.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q8. What are the steps of mitosis (PMAT)? What happens at each step?

Background

Topic: Cell Division – Mitosis

This question tests your knowledge of the phases of mitosis and the events that occur in each phase.

Key Terms:

  • Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase (PMAT)

  • Chromosome alignment, separation, nuclear envelope

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the four phases of mitosis in order.

  2. Describe the main event that happens in each phase.

  3. Think about how the cell prepares for division and separates its chromosomes.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q9. What are the steps of meiosis? What happens at each step?

Background

Topic: Cell Division – Meiosis

This question tests your knowledge of the phases of meiosis and the events that occur in each phase.

Key Terms:

  • Meiosis I and II: Two rounds of division

  • Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase (PMAT)

  • Crossing over, reduction division

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the phases of meiosis I and II.

  2. Describe the main event that happens in each phase.

  3. Think about how meiosis differs from mitosis in chromosome number and genetic variation.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q10. What part of meiosis in sexual reproduction is responsible for the diversity of gametes?

Background

Topic: Genetic Variation – Meiosis

This question tests your understanding of how meiosis creates genetic diversity.

Key Terms:

  • Crossing over: Exchange of genetic material

  • Independent assortment: Random distribution of chromosomes

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the events in meiosis that increase genetic variation.

  2. Identify which phase(s) these events occur in.

  3. Think about how these mechanisms affect the genetic makeup of gametes.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q3. What is the difference between ribose and deoxyribose? Where are they found?

Background

Topic: Nucleic Acids – Structure

This question tests your knowledge of the chemical differences between ribose and deoxyribose and their roles in nucleic acids.

Key Terms:

  • Ribose: Sugar in RNA

  • Deoxyribose: Sugar in DNA

  • Nucleic acid: DNA and RNA

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the structural difference between ribose and deoxyribose (presence or absence of an oxygen atom).

  2. Identify which molecule each sugar is found in.

  3. Think about how this difference affects the stability and function of DNA and RNA.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q11. What happens in the cell cycle phases? Interphase, G1, S phase, G2 and G0?

Background

Topic: Cell Cycle

This question tests your understanding of the events that occur in each phase of the cell cycle.

Key Terms:

  • Interphase: Period of growth and DNA replication

  • G1: Cell growth

  • S phase: DNA synthesis

  • G2: Preparation for mitosis

  • G0: Resting phase

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List the phases of the cell cycle in order.

  2. Describe the main event that happens in each phase.

  3. Think about why some cells enter G0 and what it means for their function.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q12. How is DNA built? What pieces bond to form the backbone? What about inside the helix?

Background

Topic: DNA Structure

This question tests your knowledge of the molecular structure of DNA, including the backbone and base pairing.

Key Terms:

  • Phosphate group

  • Deoxyribose sugar

  • Nitrogenous bases: Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, Guanine

  • Base pairing: A-T, G-C

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the components of a nucleotide.

  2. Describe how nucleotides are linked to form the backbone.

  3. Explain how base pairs form the "rungs" inside the helix.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q13. What are Mendel’s Laws? What are the definitions?

Background

Topic: Mendelian Genetics

This question tests your knowledge of Mendel's laws and their definitions.

Key Terms:

  • Law of Segregation

  • Law of Independent Assortment

  • Law of Dominance

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. List Mendel's three laws.

  2. Define each law in your own words.

  3. Think about examples that illustrate each law.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q14. Do you know the phenotypic and genotypic ratios for true-breeding parents for the F2 generations?

Background

Topic: Mendelian Genetics – Ratios

This question tests your ability to predict ratios in offspring from true-breeding parents.

Key Terms:

  • True-breeding: Homozygous parents

  • F2 generation: Second filial generation

  • Phenotypic ratio: Ratio of observable traits

  • Genotypic ratio: Ratio of genetic makeup

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the genotypes of true-breeding parents (e.g., AA x aa).

  2. Predict the F1 generation genotype and phenotype.

  3. Set up a cross for the F2 generation and count the ratios.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q15. How does DNA replicate? What do we call the system of replication where the daughter DNA has both new and old strands?

Background

Topic: DNA Replication – Mechanism

This question tests your understanding of the process and model of DNA replication.

Key Terms:

  • Semi-conservative replication

  • Parent strand, daughter strand

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the steps of DNA replication: unwinding, base pairing, synthesis.

  2. Describe how each new DNA molecule contains one old and one new strand.

  3. Identify the term for this model of replication.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q16. Analyze how Mendel's laws would apply to human genetic traits. Provide an example.

Background

Topic: Mendelian Genetics – Application

This question tests your ability to apply Mendel's laws to real-world human traits.

Key Terms:

  • Dominant and recessive traits

  • Law of Segregation, Law of Independent Assortment

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Choose a human trait that follows Mendelian inheritance (e.g., attached earlobes).

  2. Describe how Mendel's laws explain the inheritance of this trait.

  3. Set up a simple cross to illustrate the law.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q17. Also, explain how Mendel's work laid the foundation for modern genetics and describe one way it applies to biotechnology today.

Background

Topic: Genetics – History and Application

This question tests your understanding of Mendel's impact on genetics and biotechnology.

Key Terms:

  • Mendelian genetics

  • Biotechnology: Genetic engineering, gene therapy

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Summarize Mendel's contributions to genetics.

  2. Explain how his principles are used in modern biotechnology (e.g., gene editing).

  3. Provide a specific example of biotechnology application.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q18. Is it true that crossing over leads to genetic variation? Where/when does crossing over occur?

Background

Topic: Genetic Variation – Meiosis

This question tests your understanding of the role of crossing over in genetic diversity.

Key Terms:

  • Crossing over: Exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes

  • Prophase I of meiosis

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall what crossing over is and its effect on genetic variation.

  2. Identify the phase of meiosis when crossing over occurs.

  3. Think about how this process contributes to diversity in offspring.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q19. Describe the difference between anaphase in mitosis and anaphase 1 in meiosis.

Background

Topic: Cell Division – Mitosis vs. Meiosis

This question tests your ability to distinguish between the events of anaphase in mitosis and meiosis.

Key Terms:

  • Anaphase: Chromosome separation

  • Anaphase I: Homologous chromosomes separate

  • Anaphase (mitosis): Sister chromatids separate

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall what happens during anaphase in mitosis.

  2. Recall what happens during anaphase I in meiosis.

  3. Compare the type of chromosomes being separated in each process.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q20. Also, compare the roles of mitosis and meiosis in an organism's life cycle.

Background

Topic: Cell Division – Function

This question tests your understanding of the purpose and outcomes of mitosis and meiosis.

Key Terms:

  • Mitosis: Growth, repair, asexual reproduction

  • Meiosis: Sexual reproduction, genetic diversity

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Describe the main function of mitosis in multicellular organisms.

  2. Describe the main function of meiosis in producing gametes.

  3. Compare the outcomes in terms of chromosome number and genetic variation.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q21. Who is credited with the discovery of the structure of DNA? Who else was involved?

Background

Topic: History of Genetics – DNA Structure

This question tests your knowledge of the scientists involved in discovering the structure of DNA.

Key Terms:

  • Watson and Crick

  • Rosalind Franklin

  • Maurice Wilkins

Step-by-Step Guidance

  1. Recall the names of the scientists credited with the discovery.

  2. Identify other contributors and their roles (e.g., X-ray crystallography).

  3. Think about why some contributors were not as widely recognized initially.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

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