Scribd
Upload
16 views1 page

Genetics

Uploaded by

neraho1297
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
16 views1 page

Genetics

Uploaded by

neraho1297
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

Class Notes: Fundamentals of Genetics Date: December 15, 2024 Instructor: Dr.

Laura Benson

Lecture Overview This lecture introduced the principles of genetics, including Mendelian inheritance, the structure of
DNA, and the significance of genetic variation in populations.

Key Topics Covered

1. What is Genetics? Definition: The study of heredity and variation in living organisms. Genetics helps explain how
traits are passed from parents to offspring.
2. Mendelian Inheritance Gregor Mendel's Experiments (1865):

Conducted experiments on pea plants to discover inheritance patterns. Key Principles:

Law of Segregation: Each organism inherits two alleles for each trait, one from each parent; these alleles segregate
during gamete formation. Law of Independent Assortment: Genes for different traits are inherited independently of one
another. Terminology:

Allele: Variant of a gene. Genotype: Genetic makeup (e.g., AA, Aa, aa). Phenotype: Observable traits (e.g., tall, short). 3.
DNA Structure and Function Structure of DNA (Discovered by Watson and Crick, 1953):

Double helix made of nucleotides. Nucleotide components: Sugar, phosphate, nitrogenous base (Adenine, Thymine,
Cytosine, Guanine). Functions of DNA:

Stores genetic information. Guides the synthesis of proteins through transcription and translation. 4. Genetic Variation
and Mutations Sources of Genetic Variation:

Crossing over during meiosis. Independent assortment of chromosomes. Random fertilization. Mutations:

Changes in the DNA sequence can lead to new traits. Types of mutations: Point mutation: Change in a single nucleotide.
Frameshift mutation: Insertion or deletion of nucleotides. 5. Modern Applications of Genetics Genetic Engineering:

CRISPR for gene editing. Creation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Medical Advances:

Identifying genes associated with diseases (e.g., BRCA1 for breast cancer). Development of gene therapies. Population
Genetics:

Study of genetic variation within populations to understand evolution.

You might also like