Genetic Polymorphisms and Alleles

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What is a genetic polymorphism?

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A genetic polymorphism is a variation in the DNA sequence among individuals, which may lead to different traits or characteristics.

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What is an allele?

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An allele is a variant form of a gene that can produce different traits.

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What does it mean for an allele to be dominant?

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A dominant allele is one that expresses its trait even when only one copy is present.

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What does it mean for an allele to be recessive?

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A recessive allele only expresses its trait when two copies are present.

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What is a temperature-sensitive mutation?

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A temperature-sensitive mutation is a change in a gene that causes a trait to be expressed differently at different temperatures.

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What is the O blood type allele?

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The O blood type allele is a recessive allele that does not add additional sugar to red blood cell proteins.

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What happens to proteins produced by temperature-sensitive alleles at high temperatures?

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They may denature, meaning they lose their structure and function.

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What is a gain-of-function mutation?

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A gain-of-function mutation is a genetic change that enhances the function of a gene, potentially leading to diseases like cancer.

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What is a tumor suppressor gene?

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A tumor suppressor gene is a gene that helps prevent uncontrolled cell growth; mutations can lead to cancer.

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What is the RAS oncogene?

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The RAS oncogene is a gene that, when mutated, can lead to cancer by promoting cell division.