ANSWERS TO REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. b. gene pool, e. genome, a. chromosome, c. gene, d. DNA
2. a. An autosome does not carry genes that determine sex. A sex chromosome does.
b. Genotype is the allele constitution in an individual for a particular gene.
Phenotype is the physical expression of an allele combination.
c. DNA is a double-stranded nucleic acid that includes deoxyribose and the
nitrogenous bases adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine. DNA carries the
genetic information. RNA is a single-stranded nucleic acid that includes ribose
and the nitrogenous bases adenine, guanine, cytosine and uracil. RNA carries
out gene expression.
d. A recessive allele determines phenotype in two copies. A dominant allele
determines phenotype in one copy.
e. A pedigree is a chart of family relationships and traits. A karyotype is a chart of
chromosomes.
f. A gene is a sequence of DNA that encodes a protein. A genome is all the DNA
in a cell.
3. The sequence of DNA nucleotides (A, G, C, T) in a gene comprises a genetic code
that is read three nucleotides at a time to direct the building of proteins.
4. Humans may have the same genes but differ genetically in the alleles they carry.
5. A genome-wide association study examines the whole genome for variations such as
SNPs that can be linked to conditions or traits of interest. Gene expression profiling
measures patterns and levels of mRNA to reveal cellular activity. DNA sequencing
analyzes the order of DNA nucleotides (A, G, C, T) in a molecule of DNA or across
the entire genome.
6. Differential expression creates the distinctive cell types.
7. Identification of malignant cancer cells
8. Protects people from being fired or denied insurance based on genetic testing.
Limitations include extent of coverage and sanctions for violations.
9. Drugs effective for one disease might be useful in treating another disease linked by
the diseasome.
10. Answers vary depending on student experience.
11. The genome of a bacterial species that lives in the human gut.
ANSWERS TO APPLIED QUESTIONS
1. Answers vary depending on student opinion.
2. Metabolism of nutrients is multifactorial and represents the interaction of a number of
genes and environmental factors such as variations in the bacterial flora of the gut.
3. The greater range of complex carbohydrates in the vegetarian diet supports a more
diverse microbiome.
4. A single-gene test
5. The study on gout is a genome-wide association study. The investigation into muscle
pain and statins is a gene expression study.
6. GINA does not presently cover life insurance.
7. a. Health care consumers will not be denied insurance based on genetic testing.
b. Employers will benefit by clarification and extension of existing employment laws.
There is also the potential for lower health care costs if individuals no longer fear
genetic discrimination and are screened for inherited risks. They can then modify
their behavior to reduce their risk of developing symptoms.
c. Insurers benefit by standardization of protocols and a potential lowering of health
care costs if individuals learn their inherited risks and modify their behavior to reduce
their risk of developing symptoms.
d. Researchers will have a greater pool of possible subjects if people no longer fear
they will be the subject of genetic discrimination.
8. Gene expression profiling
9. Answers vary depending on website visited and student opinion.
10. Answers vary depending on website visited. An example might be Canadian Barcode
of Life Network whose goal is the identification of Canadian species based on
mitochondrial DNA.
11. Answers vary depending on websites visited.
12. Example: South Africa’s health biotechnology initiative
13. Answers vary.
14. a. Answers vary depending on student opinion.
b. Pharmacogenetics