MEDICAL GENETICS CHAPTER 20 UPDATED
ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
◉ What does the theme 'the cascade of consequences' refer to?
Answer: It refers to the complex interactions among genes,
hormones, enzymes, and other factors that define individual
functional and developmental paths.
◉ What are traits influenced by genetics?
Answer: Traits include appearance, behavior, and body chemistry.
◉ What is the significance of genetic unity and diversity?
Answer: Many biological pathways are shared across species (unity),
yet individuals have unique genetic makeups (diversity).
◉ What causes albinism?
Answer: Albinism is caused by homozygosity for a recessive
mutation in melanin pigment biosynthesis.
◉ What is the genetic basis of life?
, Answer: It begins at fertilization and is expressed progressively
through life.
◉ What is DNA?
Answer: DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) codes for proteins and various
RNAs.
◉ How can environmental factors influence genetics?
Answer: Environmental factors can influence epigenetic processes,
affecting gene expression early and late in life.
◉ What is a unique genotype?
Answer: Except for identical twins, each individual has a unique
genotype that defines their biochemistry and form.
◉ Why do patients respond differently to medications?
Answer: Genetic diversity among individuals leads to varied drug
responses.
◉ What did the NIH study in 1998 reveal about drug reactions?
Answer: It reported 2.2 million serious adverse drug reactions in
one year, resulting in over 100,000 deaths.
ACTUAL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
◉ What does the theme 'the cascade of consequences' refer to?
Answer: It refers to the complex interactions among genes,
hormones, enzymes, and other factors that define individual
functional and developmental paths.
◉ What are traits influenced by genetics?
Answer: Traits include appearance, behavior, and body chemistry.
◉ What is the significance of genetic unity and diversity?
Answer: Many biological pathways are shared across species (unity),
yet individuals have unique genetic makeups (diversity).
◉ What causes albinism?
Answer: Albinism is caused by homozygosity for a recessive
mutation in melanin pigment biosynthesis.
◉ What is the genetic basis of life?
, Answer: It begins at fertilization and is expressed progressively
through life.
◉ What is DNA?
Answer: DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) codes for proteins and various
RNAs.
◉ How can environmental factors influence genetics?
Answer: Environmental factors can influence epigenetic processes,
affecting gene expression early and late in life.
◉ What is a unique genotype?
Answer: Except for identical twins, each individual has a unique
genotype that defines their biochemistry and form.
◉ Why do patients respond differently to medications?
Answer: Genetic diversity among individuals leads to varied drug
responses.
◉ What did the NIH study in 1998 reveal about drug reactions?
Answer: It reported 2.2 million serious adverse drug reactions in
one year, resulting in over 100,000 deaths.
