What are the three main steps of PCR?
-Denature: Temperature is raised to 94-96 separates the two strands of DNA by breaking hydrogen bonds
-Annealing: Temperature lowered between 50-60 so primers bind to complementary sequences at each end of the target DNA
-Extension: Temp to 72. DNA polymerase adds complementary nucleotides starting from the primers, creating new DNA strands
What is PCR and why is it important in evolutionary studies?
-PCR is a technique that replicates small amounts of DNA to produce enough for analysis.
-It allows scientists to amplify DNA for studying evolutionary changes and genetic comparisons
What is the role of primers in PCR?
Primers are short DNA sequences complementary to the ends of the target DNA.
They provide a starting point for DNA polymerase to extend new strands
What is gel electrophoresis used for?
To separate DNA fragments based on length, creating a DNA profile (or fingerprint) for comparison between samples
Why do smaller DNA Fragments travel faster in gel electrophoresis?
Smaller fragments move more easily through the gel’s pores, travelling further towards the positive electrode
What is a DNA ladder in gel electrophoresis?
A set of DNA fragments of known lengths used as a size reference to estimate the lengths of sample fragments.
What is DNA sequencing?
Determining the exact order of nucleotides in a DNA molecule, often using the Sanger method
Define comparative genomics
Comparing the genomes of different species to identify similarities and differences revealing evolutionary relationships
What is an endogenous retrovirus?
ERV is a viral sequence that has become part of the host’s genome after a retrovirus inserted its DNA into a reproductive cell
How do ERV’s provide evidence for evolution?
Identical ERV locations in the chromosome of different species suggest they share a common ancestor
What is mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)?
Small, circular DNA found in mitochondria
How is mtDNA inherited?
Exclusively from the mother, because sperm mitochondria are destroyed after fertilisation
Why is mtDNA useful in evolutionary studied?
It mutates at a relatively high rate and is inherited maternally, making it useful for tracing linage within species and between closely related species
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Chapter 9.1 Mutations92
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Chapter 9.2 Migration6
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Chapter 9.3 Natural Selection0
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Chapter 10.1 Processing DNA ✓39
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Chapter 10.2 DNA Provides Evidence of Evolution ✓44
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Chapter 10.3 Other Biochemical Evidence ✓32
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Human biology Mutations and Gene pool Extended Response Research32
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Chapter 9 Powerpoint flashcards20
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Chapter 10 PP flashcards15
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11.1 Fossils✓14
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Chapter 11.2 Dating Fossils✓47
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Carbon and Potassium dating5
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Chapter 11.3 Comparative anatomy✓13
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Chapter 11.4 Phylogenetic Trees✓7
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Chapter 12.1 Humans as Primates ✔9
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Chapter 12.2 Variation Within the Family Hominidae✓75
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Chapter 13.1 Evolutionary Trends in Hominins✓18
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Chapter 13.2 Comparison of Hominin Species✓36
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Chapter 13.3 Cultural Evolution✓32
