Biology: Genetics and Cell Biology: cram pack

Formula sheets, the key method steps for every topic and 4 practice problems, with full solutions at the back.

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1Formulas and methods

Genetics

Monohybrid cross (Aa × Aa)
genotypes 1 : 2 : 1, phenotypes 3 : 1
Dihybrid cross
phenotypes 9 : 3 : 3 : 1
Hardy–Weinberg
p + q = 1, p² + 2pq + q² = 1
Independent genes
multiply the probabilities

2Practice problems

1.GeneticsMedium
AaBb ♀AaBb ♂ABAbaBabABAbaBab????????????????

Tall (A) is dominant over short (a), and round seeds (B) over wrinkled (b). The genes are on different chromosomes. For the cross AaBb × AaBb, what is the probability P that an offspring is short, wrinkled seeds?

AaBb × AaBb
P =
2.GeneticsHard
♂ AaBb♀ AaBbaBAbABababABaBAb

Two AaBb parents are crossed. Gene A gives round seeds (dominant) or wrinkled seeds; gene B gives yellow seeds (dominant) or green seeds. Click the one cell for an offspring that is homozygous for round seeds and for yellow seeds.

AaBb × AaBb
  1. 1ab × aB
  2. 2ab × Ab
  3. 3ab × AB
  4. 4ab × ab
  5. 5AB × aB
  6. 6AB × Ab
  7. 7AB × AB
  8. 8AB × ab
  9. 9aB × aB
  10. 10aB × Ab
  11. 11aB × AB
  12. 12aB × ab
  13. 13Ab × aB
  14. 14Ab × Ab
  15. 15Ab × AB
  16. 16Ab × ab
3.Cell biologyMedium

What are aquaporins?

  1. APumps that move sodium out of cells
  2. BChannel proteins that let water cross membranes quickly
  3. CEnzymes that split water into hydrogen and oxygen in membranes
  4. DReceptors for water-soluble hormones
4.Cell biologyHard

A signal molecule that cannot cross the membrane, such as adrenaline, acts by:

  1. ADiffusing into the nucleus and binding DNA to change gene transcription
  2. BDissolving the membrane
  3. CBinding a surface receptor that triggers a second-messenger cascade
  4. DBeing converted into ATP

3Solutions

1.Genetics

Answer: P = 0.0625

Mendelian genetics: each parent passes on one allele of each gene, chosen at random. A Punnett square lists every combination of gametes, each equally likely. A dominant allele (capital letter) shows whenever it is present; a recessive one only in the homozygous form. Genes on different chromosomes are inherited independently, so their probabilities multiply.

Each gene on its own

P(short) = 0.25
P(wrinkled seeds) = 0.25

Multiply

P = 0.25·0.25 = 0.0625

Answer

P = 0.0625
2.Genetics

Answer: AB × AB

Punnett square: one parent's gametes run along the top, the other's down the side. Each cell joins the gamete above it with the gamete beside it, and every cell is equally likely. A recessive trait only shows when both alleles are recessive; for an X-linked trait, sons get their only X from the mother.

Genotype asked for

AABB

Gametes

A homozygous genotype needs the same gamete from both parents, so only one cell in the 16 fits.

AB × AB = AABB

Answer

Cell AB × AB → AABB
3.Cell biology

Answer: B · Channel proteins that let water cross membranes quickly

Why this is the answer

Aquaporins are channel proteins that greatly speed water movement by osmosis. Their number in kidney collecting duct cells is regulated by ADH.

Answer

B · Channel proteins that let water cross membranes quickly
4.Cell biology

Answer: C · Binding a surface receptor that triggers a second-messenger cascade

Why this is the answer

Hydrophilic signals bind membrane receptors (e.g. G-protein-coupled receptors), activating intracellular messengers; steroid hormones instead cross the membrane.

Answer

C · Binding a surface receptor that triggers a second-messenger cascade

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