Module 4
Module 4
Module 4 explores the role of DNA in society, including current and future applications. This includes innovation, technology, understanding of medical implications, public health and personalized medicine. This cover page provides all Module 4 Learning Objectives, a question answered by each chapter and chapter summaries.
- Distinguish living organisms based on the characteristics of life
- Relate mechanisms of genetic inheritance to evolution
- Apply the basic principles of molecular and Mendelian genetics
- Test predictions from scientific hypotheses using basic biological laboratory techniques
Learning Objectives Chapter 17
How do we use DNA to determine paternity, solve crimes and test embryos?
- Recognize the requirements for generating transgenic organisms
- Recognize the significance of genetically-modified organisms in society
- Define 7 components of biotechnology: PCR (polymerase chain reaction), stem cells, cloning, DNA sequencing, DNA probes, PGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis) and gene therapy
Chapter 17 Summary
Transgenic organisms, or genetically-modified organisms (GMOs), contain DNA from another species to generate proteins. Vaccines, antibiotics, and hormones are examples of products obtained by recombinant DNA technology. Scientists usually create transgenic plants to improve crop plant characteristics. GMO’s provide benefits and raise concerns. Nucleic acids can be isolated from cells for the purposes of further analysis by breaking open the cells and enzymatically destroying all other major macromolecules. Fragmented or whole chromosomes can be separated on the basis of size by gel electrophoresis. PCR can amplify short DNA or RNA stretches. Stem cells can generate any cell type. The term “cloning” may refer to cloning small DNA fragments (molecular cloning), cloning cell populations (cellular cloning), or cloning entire organisms (reproductive cloning). DNA sequencing reveals the order of base pairs, DNA probes bind to complementary sequences, and PGD tests IVF embryos before implantation. Medical professionals perform genetic testing to identify disease-causing genes, and use gene therapy to cure an inheritable disease.
Learning Objectives Chapter 18
Where have your chromosomes been?
- Define evolution, selective pressure and natural selection
- Recognize common misconceptions about evolution
- Identify factors impacting speciation
Chapter 18 Summary
Evolution is a change in allele frequency in a population. Evolution may be convergent with similar traits evolving in multiple species or divergent with diverse traits evolving in multiple species that came from a common ancestor. We can observe evidence of evolution by means of DNA code and the fossil record, and also by the existence of homologous and vestigial structures. Natural selection is the result of reproductive success. Individuals cannot evolve, only populations do. Evolution does not involve the origin of life. Evolution involves As, Cs, Ts and Gs – that cannot create, think or feel. Speciation involves a barrier to reproduction and can be based on habitat location or chromosomes.
Learning Objectives Chapter 19
What mutations are in the human population now?
- Recognize measures of population evolution
- Identify four major contributors to population genetics
- Recognize the significance of sexual selection
Chapter 19 Summary
Population genetics describes the evolution of populations and species, from small-scale changes among individuals to large-scale changes over paleontological time periods. To understand how organisms evolve, scientists can track allele frequencies over time within populations. Scientists use genotype (DNA) and phenotype (fossils, anatomy, embryo structure) to establish relationships. Mutations, founder effect, bottleneck, and migration contribute to population genetics. Sexual selection impacts reproductive success and genetic fitness.
When you are ready to prepare for the exam, you might find this audio study guide helpful.
