Briefly describe the relationship between DNA methylation, small RNAs (also known as RNA interference), and mobile genetic elements
What will be an ideal response?
Both DNA methylation and small RNAs are defenses that host genomes employ to reduce the spread of mobile genetic elements by silencing them. DNA methylation of mobile genetic elements prevents transcription (pre-transcriptional silencing), whereas small RNAs silence mobile genetic elements by targeting transcribed sequences from these elements (post-transcriptional silencing). Additionally [graders, note that this is probably a BONUS observation], small RNAs are also responsible for targeting the methylation of mobile element DNA in the genome.
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Angiosperms first appeared during the ____ period
a. Cambrian b. Jurassic c. Cretaceous d. Neogene e. Devonian
What advantages does chorionic villus sampling have over amniocentesis for fetal analysis of genetic defects?
What will be an ideal response?
In Endler's (1980) studies, the evolution of male guppy coloration is affected by predation and sexual selection. What effect on brightness do the two forces have?
A. Predation: increases; Sexual selection: decreases B. Predation: decreases; Sexual selection: increases C. Predation: decreases; Sexual selection: decreases D. Predation: increases; Sexual selection: increases
What is the most common reason why DNA analyses overturn incorrect criminal convictions?
a) Science has not traditionally been used in the courtroom to convict a suspect. b) The legal system traditionally has convicted anybody who refused to have their DNA sampled. c) DNA evidence is much more reliable an identifier of an individual than eyewitness accounts. d) We've only known for the last five years that DNA is fairly unique to an individual. e) Scientists can study a person's DNA and determine whether or not that person is a criminal.