Download Name Date ______ Bl ____ AC Reproduction and DNA Study

Name _____________________ Date __________ Bl ____
Define and understand concepts related to the following terms:

Gene A segment or portion of DNA that encodes for a specific trait.

Chromosome DNA that has coiled up into a dense form. Chromosomes are located in the
nucleus of eukaryotes

DNA Genetic material found in the nucleus that holds the code for making proteins.

Nucleotide A subunit of DNA made of a phosphate, sugar (deoxyribose in DNA and Ribose in
RNA), and a nitrogenous base (adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymine/uracil)

Binary Fission Simple cell division used by bacteria. The DNA is replicated and the cell splits into
two daughter cells

Conjugation A way of mixing genetic material in bacteria. A tube forms between two cells and
genetic material moves from one to the other.

Budding A form of asexual reproduction where an offspring begins to grow on a parent and once
they do not require the parent anymore will fall off

Regeneration A form of asexual reproduction where a portion of the parent comes off and the
offspring grows from that piece. The parent will then regrow the portion that they lost.

Fertilization A form of sexual reproduction that occurs when two gametes (sex cells) meet
producing an offspring.

Mutation A change in the DNA sequence of an organism that can alter (benefit/ harm) or have
no influence on the organism.
Answer the following questions:
1. Which base pairs match up with one another? Who came up with this rule?
Adenine—Thymine (or uracil in RNA)
Guanine—Cytosine
Watson and Crick observed this phenomenon. Chargaff later discussed that the ratio between A
and T as well as G and C must be 1:1.
2. Draw an example of DNA. Label each key part.
3. What does the DNA structure look like? Who identified this structure?
DNA is a double helix (twisted ladder). This structure was first seen by Rosalind Franklin and
later described by Watson and Crick.
4. Explain the process of DNA replication.
DNA unzips between the nitrogenous bases and new nucleotides come and attach to the
original strands using the base pairing rule.
5. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of asexual and sexual reproduction.
Asexual Reproduction
Sexual Reproduction
Definition
Form of reproduction where
one individual produces an
offspring.
(1 parent



Tends to be faster
Tends to be easier
Do not have to find a
mate

All offspring carry same
genetic information
Advantages
Form of reproduction where
two individuals share genetic
information (typically through
fertilization) to produce an
offspring. (2 parents)
 More genetic variation


Takes more time
Requires a mate
Disadvantages
and may not be able to
survive environmental
changes
6. Explain the similarities and differences between mitosis and meiosis.
Mitosis
Meiosis
Results in
2 diploid cells (2n)
4 haploid cells (n)
Cells are
Genetically identical
Genetically different
Occurs in
Somatic (body) cells
Sex cells (gametes)
# of splits
Splits once
Split twice (without DNA
replication between stages)