Gene
A hereditary unit of DNA that codes for a protein and determines a trait
DNA
A complex molecule that carries the genetic information of an organism
Chromatin
Condensed DNA tightly coiled around histones
Nucleosome
A structural unit of a chromosome consisting of a length of DNA (147bp) coiled around a core of histones.
Octamer
Consists of two copies of each of the four core histone proteins: H2A, H2B, H3, and H4
Evolution
The change in the characteristics of a species over several generations from ancient to modern times
Model systems (model organisms)
Organisms that adapt well to laboratory situations and findings from experiments on them can apply across a broad range of species.
E.g., white mice, Drosophila fruit fly
Lamarck's Theory of Evolution
Proposed theory that organisms pass on traits they acquire in their lifetime. (Incorrect) i.e. Scars
Darwin
English natural scientist who formulated a theory of evolution by natural selection (1809-1882)
Genetics
The scientific study of heredity
Phenotype vs. Genotype
- Phenotype: expressed physical traits
- Genotype: Genetic make-up
Positive Eugenics
Encouraging the reproduction of those with beneficial traits
Negative eugenics
Discouraging the reproduction of those with undesirable traits
Ploidy of a cell
number of sets of chromosomes in a cell
Allele
Different forms of a gene
Nucleic acids
DNA and RNA (or macromolecules containing hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus )
Genomics
study and comparison of genomes within a single species or among different species
natural selection
the process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment (due to specific alleles) tend to survive and produce more offspring
What is the role of mutation in evolution?
The ultimate source of variation in natural populations