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Biological Anthropology Test 1
Ch. 1-4
187
Anthropology
Undergraduate 3
02/03/2010

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Term
Prokaryotes
Definition
single-celled orgs, such as bacteria, in which the genetic material is not separated from the rest of the cell by a nucleus
Term
eukaryotes
Definition
a cell that possesses a well-organized nucleus
Term
nucleus
Definition
in eukaryotic cells, the part of the cell in which the genetic material is separated from the rest of the cell (cytoplasm) by a plasma membrane
Term
cytoplasm
Definition
in a eukaryotic cell, the region within the cell membrane that surrounds the nucleus; it contains organelles, which carry out the essential functions of the cell, such as energy production, metabolism, and protein synthesis
Term
somatic cells
Definition
the cells of the body that are not sex cells
Term
gametes
Definition

sex cells

sperm=male

ova/eggs=female

Term
stem cells
Definition
undifferentiated cells found in the developing embryo that can be induced to differentiate into a wide variety of cell types or tissues.  Also found in adults, although adult stem cells are not as totipotent as embryonic stem cells.
Term
totipotent
Definition
Means that stem cells can differentiate into any of the somatic cell types found in the fetus or adult
Term
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Definition
DNA-double stranded molecule that is the carrier of genetic information.  Each strand is composed of a linear sequence of nucleotide; the 2 strands are held together by hydrogen bonds that form between complementary bases
Term
James Watson and Francis Crick
Definition
The ones who discovered DNA was a double stranded complex molecule
Term
Proteins
Definition
complex molecules formed from chains of amino acids (polypeptide) or from a complex of polypeptides.  They function as structural molecules, transport molecules, antibodies, enzymes, and hormones
Term
protein synthesis
Definition
the assembly of proteins from amino acids, which occurs at ribosomes in the cytoplasm and is based on information carried by mRNA
Term
ribonucleic acid
Definition
RNA-single stranded nucleic acid that performs critical functions during protein synthesis and comes in 3 forms: messenger RNA, transfer RNA, and ribosomal RNA
Term
mitochondria
Definition
organelles in the cytoplasm of the cell where energy production for the cell takes place  Contains its own DNA called mtDNA and has been used for evolutionary research
Term
endoplasmic reticulum
Definition
ER-organelle in the cytoplasm consisting of a folded membrane where metabolic reactions take place because there is increased surface area
Term
ribosomes
Definition
structures composed primarily of RNA, which are found on the endoplasmic reticulum.  They are the site of protein synthesis.
Term
nucleotide
Definition
molecular building block of nucleic acids DNA and RNA; consists of a phosphate, sugar, and base
Term
base
Definition
variable component of the nucleotides that form the nucleic acids DNA and RNA.  In DNA, the bases are adenine, guanine, thymine, and cytosine.  In RNA, uracil replaces thymine
Term
purines
Definition
Adenine (A) and Guanine (G)
Term
Pyrimidines
Definition
Cytosine (C) and Thymine (T)
Term
enzyme
Definition
a complex protein that is a catalyst for chemical processes in the body
Term
hemoglobin
Definition
protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen
Term
hormone
Definition
a natural substance (often a protein) produced by specialized cells in one location of the body that influence the activity or physiology of cells in a different location
Term
amino acids
Definition
molecules that form the basic building blcoks of protein
Term
polypeptide
Definition
molecule made up of a chain of amino acids
Term
genetic code
Definition
the system whereby the nucleotide triplets in DNA and RNA contain the information for synthesizing proteins from the 20 amino acids
Term
codon
Definition
A triplet of nucleotide bases in mRNA that specifies an amino acid or the initiation or termination of a polypeptide sequence
Term
gene
Definition
the fundamental unit of heredity.  Consists of a sequence of DNA bases that carries the information for synthesizing a protein (or polypeptide) and occupies a specific chromosomal locus
Term
messenger RNA
Definition
mRNA- strand of RNA synthesized in the nucleus as a complement to a specific gene (transcription).  It carries the information for the sequence of amino acids to make a specific protein into the cytoplasm, where it is read at a ribosome and a protein molecule is synthesized (translation)
Term
transfer RNA
Definition
tRNA-RNA molecules that bind to specific amino acids and transport them to ribosomes to be used during protein synthesis
Term
Number of amino acids
Definition
20
Term
Transcription
Definition
Process where DNA splits and transcribes information of the gene from the language of DNA to the related language of RNA.  RNA molecule is freed and turns into mRNA. mRNA carries information into the cytoplasm for protein synthesis.
Term
Translation
Definition
When mRNA binds to ribosome and protein synthesis is initiated.  As each codon in the mRNA sequence is read, a tRNA brings the corresponding amino acid to the ribosome.  This creates a chain of amino acids and turns into the protein.
Term
introns
Definition
parts of a gene that correspond to the intervening sequences of the mRNA.  This occurs during post-transcriptional processing
Term
exons
Definition
parts of a gene that are actually translated into a protein
Term
posttranscriptional proccessing
Definition
after an mRNA is formed but before it reaches the ribosome, where intervening sequences in the mRNA are sliced out and the mRNA molecule is reassembled
Term
chromatin
Definition
the diffuse form of DNA as it exists during the inerphase of the cell cycle.  Uncoiled DNA supported by proteins
Term
mitosis
Definition
Somatic cell division in which a single cell divides to produce 2 identical daughter cells
Term
meiosis
Definition
cell division that occurs in the testes and ovaries that leads to the formation of sperm and ova (gametes)
Term
chromosomes
Definition
discrete structures composed of condensed DNA and supporting proteins
Term
centromere
Definition
Condensed and constricted region of a chromosome.  During mitosis and meiosis, location where sister chromatids attach to one another
Term
diploid number
Definition
full complement of paired chromosomes in a somatic cell.  In humans, the diploid number is 46 (23 pairs of different chromosomes)
Term
haploid number
Definition
The number of chromosomes found in a gamete, representing 1 from each pair found in a diploid somatic cell. In humans, haploid number is 23
Term
homologous chromosomes
Definition
Members of the same pair of chromosomes (or autosomes).  Homologous chromosomes undergo crossing over during meiosis
Term
locus
Definition
The location of a gene on a chromosome.  the locus for a gene is identified by the number of the chromosome on which it is found and its position on the chromosome
Term
alleles
Definition
Alternative versions of a gene.  Alleles are distinguished from one another by their differing effects on the phenotypic expression of the same gene
Term
homozygous
Definition
Having the same allele at the loci for a gene on both members of a pair of homologous chromosomes (or autosomes)
Term
heterozygous
Definition
Having 2 different alleles at the loci for a gene on a pair of homologous chromosomes (or autosomes)
Term
cell cycle
Definition
the ongoing process of cell division and nondivision
Term
interphase
Definition
Stage of a cell's life when it is not in mitosis.  At the end of this stage, the cell prepares for mitosis by replicated DNA and DNA is packed into chromatin
Term

prophase

Definition

1st stage of mitosis where:

  1. Nuclear envelope breaks down and disappears
  2. The chromatin condense and begin to form dense chromosomes.  These chromosomes are actually doubled chromosomes, composed of 2 identical sister chromatids.
  3. The polar orientation of the cell for the division into 2 daughter cells is established.

The prophase often takes up at least 1/2 of the process of mitosis

Term
metaphase
Definition
where chromosomes migrate to the equatorial center of the cell and line up in orderly fashion
Term
anaphase
Definition
sister chromatids split apart and migrate to opposite sides of the cell. When completed, there will be a complete diploid complement of daughter chromosomes at each end of the cell
Term
telophase
Definition
cytoplasm splits in 2, resulting in complete separation of 2 daughter cells, each with daugther chromosomes
Term
zygote
Definition
a fertilized egg
Term
prophase (meiosis)
Definition
DNA condenses into chromosomes and sister chromatids form.  Double-stranded homologous chromosomes pair up, forming units that are in effect made up of four chromatids known as a tetrad
Term
Crossing over
Definition
exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during the first prophase of meiosis; mechanism for genetic recombination
Term
recombination
Definition
the rearrangement of genes on homologous chromosomes that occurs during crossing over in meiosis. the source of variation arising out of sexual reproduction; important for increasing rates of natural selection
Term
First Meiotic Division
Definition
Tetrads align along the equator of the cell. Then chromatid tetrads split, and a double-stranded chromosome is sorted into each daughter cell.  So one daughter cell has 2 copies of the maternal chromosome.  They are no longer identitcal to the parental chromosomes because of crossing over.
Term
Second Meiotic Division
Definition
Paired chromatids split resulting in a total of 4 haploid gametes with one 1 copy of each chromosome.
Term
karyotype
Definition
the complete chromosomal complemetn of an individual; usually based on a photograph of the chromosomes visualized under the microscope
Term
autosomes
Definition
any of the chromosomes other than sex chromosomes
Term
sex chromosomes
Definition
In mammals, chromosomes X and Y, with XX producing females and XY producting males
Term
Nondisjunction error
Definition
The failure of homologous chromosomes (chromatids) to separate properly during cell divison.  When it occurs during meiosis, it may lead to the formation of the gametes that are missing a chromosome or have an extra copy of a chromosome
Term
monosomy
Definition
When one chromosome in a pair is absent
Term
trisomy
Definition
when there is an extra chromosome rather than a pair
Term
Turner Syndrome
Definition
A monosomy disease, when there is only an X chromosome (XO).  Leads to delay or absense of sexual matruation, small physical stature, delayed mental maturation, and other physical abnormalties.
Term
Down Syndrome
Definition
Trisomy 21- 3 copies of chromosome 21.  Common fascial anatomy and head shape, short stature...etc. Mental disabilities, prone to heart disease and leukemia.  Almost always develop Alzheimer disease.
Term
Protein electrophoresis
Definition
Because proteins vary by electrical charge, can place small amounts of protein in a thin sheet of agarose gel and run an electric current through it.  Proteins migrate across the gell.  Protein can be visualized with dyes.  useufl for detecting protein and allelic variation.
Term
Genome
Definition
The sum total of all the genes carried by an individual
Term
Polymerase chain reaction
Definition
PCR-metho for applying DNA sequences using the Taq polymerase enzyme.  Can potentially produce millions or billions of copies of a DNA segment starting from a very small number of target DNA. Allows the recovery of DNA sequences from miniscule samples, such as a single hair.
Term
Mitochondrial DNA
Definition
mtDNA- small loop of DNA found in the mitochondria.  It is clonally and maternally inherited
Term
Gregor Mendel (1822-1884)
Definition
Discovered particulate inheritance
Term
Structural genes
Definition
Genes that contain the information to make a protein
Term
regulatory genes
Definition
guide the expression of structural genes, without coding for a protein themselves
Term
genotype
Definition
the genetic makeup of an individual. Genotype can refer to the entire genetic complement or more narrowly to the alleles present at a specific locus on 2 homologous chromosomes
Term
phenotype
Definition
an observable or measurable feature of an org, phenotypes can be anatomical, biochemical, or behavioral
Term
ABO blood type system
Definition
refers to the gentic system for one of the proteins found on the surface of red blood cells. Consists of one gene with 3 alleles: A, B, and O
Term
recessive
Definition
in a diploid org, refers to an allele that must be present in 2 copies (homozygous) in order to be expressed
Term
dominant
Definition
in a diploid org, an allele that is expressed when present on only 1 of a pair of homologous chromosomes
Term
co-dominant
Definition
in a diploid org, 2 different alleles of a gene that are both expressed in a heterozygous individual
Term
blending inheritance
Definition
discredited 19th c. idea that genetic factors from the parents averaged-out or blended together when they were passed on to offspring
Term
particulate inheritance
Definition
the concept of heredity based on the transmission of genes (alleles) according to Mendelian principles
Term
Traits Mendel tested in peas
Definition

Seeds: Round/wrinkled

Pods: Full/constricted, green/yellow

Flowers: violet/white

Stem: axial/terminal, tall/dwarf

Term
dichotomous variation
Definition
where there are only 2 different phenotypes
Term

What Mendel Postulates about his experiment

Definition
  1. Hereditary characteristics are controlled by particulate unit factors that exist in pairs in individual orgs
  2. When an individual has 2 different unti factors responsible for a characteristic, only 1 is expressed and is said to be dominant to the other, which is said to be recessive
  3. during the formation of gametes, the paired unit factors separate, or segregate, randomly so that each sex cell receives one or the other with equal likelihood
  4. During gamete formation, segregating pairs of unit factors assort independently of each other
Term
Mendel's law of segregation
Definition
2 alleles of a gene found on each of a pair of chromosomes segregate independently of one another into sex cells
Term
Mendel's law of independent assortment
Definition
genes found on different chromosomes are sorted into sex cells independently of one another
Term
linkage
Definition
genes that arae found on the same chromosome are said to be linked.  The closer together 2 genes are on a chromosome, the greater the linkage and the less likely they are to be separated during crossing over
Term
point mutation
Definition
a change in the base sequence of a gene that results from the change of a single base to a different base
Term
sickle cell disease
Definition
an autosomal recessive disease caused by a point mutation in an allele that codes for one of the polypeptide chains of the hemoglobin protein
Term
autosomal recessive disease
Definition
a disease caused by a recessive allele; one ocpy of the allele must be inherited from each parent for the disease to devleop. Ex: Sickle cell disease
Term
insertion mutation
Definition
a change in the base sequence of a gene that results from the addition of one or more base pairs in the DNA
Term
trinucleotide repeat diseases
Definition
A family of autosomal dominant diseases that is caused by the insertion of multiple copies of a 3-base pair sequence (CAG) that codes for the amino acid glutamine.  Typically, the more copies inserted into the gene, the more serious the disease.
Term
Huntington disease
Definition
an autosomal dominant disease caused by an insertion mutation. The trinucleotide sequence CAG is repeated 40-120 times, located on chromosome 4.  It is a degenerative neurological disorder. 
Term
x-linked disorders
Definition
genetic conditions that result from mutations to genes on the X chromosome.  They are almost always expressed in males, who have only 1 copy of the X chromosome; in females, the 2nd X chromosome containing the normally functioning allele protects them from developing X-linked disorders
Term
pedigree
Definition
a diagram used in the study of human genetics that shows the transmission of a genetic trait over several generations of a family
Term
Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome
Definition
X-linked disease characterized by mental and motor retardation, self-mutiliation, and early death.
Term
Hemophilia
Definition
X-linked disease characterized by absense of one of the clotting factor proteins in blood.  Vulnerable to hemorrhage and severe joint damage
Term
qualitative variation
Definition
phenotypic variation that can be characterized as belonging to discrete, observable categories
Term
albinism
Definition
absense of pigmentation in the skin, hair, and iris of eyes.  Good example of qualitative variation.  You either are albino or you're not.
Term
quantitative variation
Definition
phenotypic variation that is characterized by the distributin of continuous variation (expressed using a numerical measure) within a population (for example, in a bell curve)
Term
polygenic traits
Definition
phenotypic traits that results from the combined action of more than one gene; most complex traits are polygenic
Term
pleiotropy
Definition
the phenomenon of a single gene having multiple phenotypic effects
Term
heritability
Definition
the proportion of total phenotypic variability observed for a given trait that can be ascribed to genetic factors
Term
heritablility proportion
Definition

variability caused by genetics


variability caused by genetics+variability caused by the environment

 

Range for 0-1. 0=all of the observed variations are due to enviro factors, 1=all due to genetic factors

Term
twin method
Definition
a method for estimating the heritability of a phenotypic trait by comparing the concordance rates of identical and fraternal twins
Term
Monozygotic twins
Definition
Mz twins- identical twins that are genetically identical to each other resulting from an egg that splits into 2 embryos
Term
Dizygotic twins
Definition
DZ twins- result from 2 eggs being fertilized, and share about half their genes, just like normal siblings
Term
Phenylketonuria
Definition
PKU- autosomal recessive condition that leads to the accumulation of large quantities of the amino acid phenylalanine, which causes mental retardation and other phenotypic abnormalities
Term
directional selection
Definition
natural selection that drives evolutionary change by selecting for greater or lesser frequency of a given trait in a population
Term
stabilizing selection
Definition
selection that maintains a ceretain phenotype by selecting aganist deviations from it
Term
gene flow
Definition
movement of genes between populations
Term
inbreeding
Definition
mating between close relatives
Term
genetic drift
Definition
random changes in gene frequency in a population
Term
founder effect
Definition
a component of genetic drift theory, stating that new populations that become isolated from the parent population carry only the genetic variation of the founders
Term
Ellis-van Creveld syndrome
Definition

EVC- genetic disease common among the Amish married outside.  It is a form of dwarfism, and its victims always possess an extra finger on each hand and sometimes extra toes.  Caused by genetic drift

 

Term
Genetic Bottleneck
Definition
temporary dramatic reduction in size of a population or species
Term
Sexual Selection
Definition
Differential reproductive success within one sex of any species
Term
sexual dimorphism
Definition
Difference in size, shape, or color between the sexes.  Usually brought about by evolutionary changes in male appearance caused by female mate preferences
Term
reproductive potential
Definition
The possible output of offspring by one sex
Term
reproductive variance
Definition
a measure of variation from the mean of a population in the reproductive potential of one sex compared with the other
Term
systematics
Definition
branch of biology that describes patterns of organismal variation
Term
homology
Definition
similarity of traits resulting from shared ancestry
Term
analogous
Definition
having similar traits due to similar use, not due to shared ancestry
Term
cladistics
Definition
method of classification using ancestral and derived traits to distinguish patterns of evolution within lineages
Term
linnaean categories
Definition
Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species
Term
cladogram
Definition
branching diagram showing evolved relationships among members of a lineage
Term
Law of Parsimony (Occam's razor)
Definition
One should always seek the simplest explanation for natural phenomenon. Principle by William of Ockham
Term
Phenetics
Definition
Numerical taxonomy. Relies solely on numerically describing degrees of similarity and difference between orgs, without biases created by knowing some groups are more closely related than others
Term
species
Definition
an interbreeding group of animals or plants that are reproductively isolated through anatomy, ecology, behavior, or geographic distribution from all other such groups
Term
speciation
Definition
formation of one or more new species via reproductive isolation
Term
biological species concept
Definition
defines species as interbreeding populations reproductively isolated from other such populations. Proposed by Ernst Mayr (1942)
Term
evolutionary species concept
Definition
defines species as evolutionary lineages with their own unique indentity
Term
ecological species concept
Definition
defines species based on the uniqueness of their ecological niche
Term
recognition species concept
Definition
defines species based on unique traits or behaviors that allow members of one species to identify each other for mating
Term
reproductive isolating mechanisms
Definition
RIMs- any factor (behavioral, ecological, or anatomical) that prevents a male and female of 2 different species from hybridizing
Term
anagenesis
Definition
evolution of a trait or a species into another over a period of time
Term
cladogenesis
Definition
evolution through the branching of a species or a lineage
Term
allopatric speciation
Definition
speciation occurring via geographic isolation
Term
parapatric speciation
Definition
speciation occurring when 2 populations have continuous distributions and some phenotypes in that distribution are more favorable than others
Term
sympatric speciation
Definition
speciation occurring in the same geographic location
Term
gradualism
Definition
darwinian view of slow, incremental evolutionary change
Term
macroevolution
Definition
evolution of major phenotypic changes over relatively short time periods
Term
punctuated equilibrium
Definition
model of evolution characterized by rapid bursts of change, followed by long periods of stasis
Term
adaptationism
Definition
a premise that all aspects of an organism have been molded by natural selection to a form optimal for enhancing reproductive success
Term
holism
Definition
don't agree with adaptationism, and don't think every part is adapted because of natural selection
Term
reductionism
Definition
paradigm that an org is the sum of many evolved parts and that orgs can best be understood through an adaptationist approach
Term
null hypothesis
Definition
the starting assumption for scientific inquiry, that one's research results occur by random chance. One's hypothesis must challenge this initial assumption
Term
Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium assumptions
Definition
1. No mutation 2. No natural selection 3. no migration 4. no genetic drift 5. mating is random
Term
Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
Definition
(p+q)2=p2+2pq+q2=1
Term
group selection
Definition
notion, largely discredited by the rise of Darwinian theory, proposing that animals act for the good of their social group or of their species
Term
kin selection
Definition
principle that animals behave preferentially toward their genetic kin; formulated by William Hamilton
Term
inclusive fitness
Definition
reproductive success of an org plus the fitness of its close friends
Term
population
Definition
an interbreeding group of org
Term
mutation
Definition
an alteration in the DNA which may/may not alter the function of a cell. If occurs in gamete, can be passed down to offsrping
Term
creation science
Definition
believe in creation, refute evolution
Term
intelligent design
Definition
says natural selection can't account for diversity and complexity of form and function seen in nature
Term
3 Observations by Darwin in the Origin of Species
Definition
1. All orgs have potential for explosive growth to outstrip food supply
2. our population is stable however
3. there must be a struggle for existence (nature full of variation, some variations must be favored)
Term
3 conditions for Natural Selection to occur
Definition
1. Trait must be inherited
2. trait must show variation b/w individuals
3. filter b/w org and its genetic makeup is the enviro, which must exert some pressure in order for natural selection to act
Term
uniformitarianism
Definition
theory that the same gradual geo process we observe today was operating in the past
Term
adaptive radiation
Definition
the diversification of 1 founding species into multiple species and niches
Term
natural selection
Definition
differential reproductive success over multiple generations
Term
fitness
Definition
reproductive success
Term
Charles Lyell (1797-1875)
Definition
Proponent of Uniformitarianism, gradual change occurs in physical world and if look at older rocks, will be more primitive in nature
Term
James Hutton (1726-1797)
Definition
created theory of uniformitariansim
Term
Charles Darwin (1809-1882)
Definition
wrote Origin of Species about natural selection
Term
Alfred Russel Wallace (1823-1913)
Definition
Man who had similar theories of natural selection, but less money and status than Darwin
Term
Tom Malthus (1766-1834)
Definition
saw if left unchecked, human pops would grow rapidly, outstripping their resrouces and ultimately crashing b/c of famine
Term
catastrophism
Definition
theory that there have been multiple creations interspersed by natural disasters (Noah's flood)
Term
Theory of Inheritance of acquired characteristics
Definition
discredited evolution theory that changes occur during life and can be passed down to offspring
Term
Lysenkoism
Definition
Soviet era research program that tried to apply Lamarckian thinking to agriculture production
Term
Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire (1744-1829)
Definition
An anatomist and strong advocate of evolutionary change
Term
Jean-Baptiste Lamarck (1744-1829)
Definition
Theory of inheritance of acquired characteristics. Ex: Elephant reaching for food will grow a longer trunk
Term
Trofim Lysenko
Definition
Argued Darwinian thinking was capitalist in its focus on individual struggle for existence (Soviet)
Term
Carolus Linnaeus (1707-1778)
Definition
Author of Systema Naturae created science of classification called taxonomy
Term
Comte de Buffon (1707-1788)
Definition
accepted bio change. Noticed when animals migrate to new climate, population changes
Term
Georges Cuvier (1769-1832)
Definition
Cataclysmic disasters wiped out earlier forms of life aka Noah's flood
Term
Polygenism
Definition
Ancient belief that people are derived from multiple creations
Term
monogenism
Definition
ancient belief that people are derived from single creation
Term
taxonomy
Definition
biological classification
Term
binomial nomenclature
Definition
linnaen naming system for all orgs, consisting of a genus and species label
Term
taxon
Definition
group of orgs assigned to a particular category
Term
Scientific method
Definition
Hypothesis, Data collected, and hypoth either supported/refused
Term
falsifiable
Definition
able to be shown to be false
Term
paradigm
Definition
a conceptual framework useful for understanding body of evidence
Term
immutability (fixity)
Definition
stasis, lack of change
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