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Unit 7 - Genes and Inheritence

Unit 7 covers genes and inheritance, focusing on gametes, fertilization, and cell division types (meiosis and mitosis). It explains the differences between sperm and egg cells, the formation of a zygote, and how genetic variation occurs through meiosis. The unit also discusses inheritance, variation types, and the influence of genetic and environmental factors on traits.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
88 views8 pages

Unit 7 - Genes and Inheritence

Unit 7 covers genes and inheritance, focusing on gametes, fertilization, and cell division types (meiosis and mitosis). It explains the differences between sperm and egg cells, the formation of a zygote, and how genetic variation occurs through meiosis. The unit also discusses inheritance, variation types, and the influence of genetic and environmental factors on traits.

Uploaded by

Anay Bhandari
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Unit 7: Genes and Inheritance

Unit 7.2: Gametes and Inheritance


Gametes:
 In the human body, most cells have 46 chromosomes. But, where are they
from? To understand this, we must emphasize the beginning of new life.
 Every human began life as a single cell. This cell was formed when the sperm
cell joined the egg cell.
 Definition: Sperm and egg cells are specialized sex cells known as gametes. It is
either of the cells that undergo fertilization and fuse to begin a new life.
 A sperm cell is a male gamete, and an egg cell is a female gamete.
Sperm Cell:
 It are the male gametes.
 We can see sperm cells through a scanning electron microscope.
 Sperm cells are very small cells.
 They are very active, using their tails to swim vigorously.

Egg Cell:
 They are the female gametes.
 We can see egg cells through a scanning electron microscope.
 A human egg is about the same size as a full stop (.).
 They need to be larger than sperm cells as they contain food reserves.

Criteria Sperm Cell Egg Cell


Type of Gamete It is a male gamete. It is a female gamete.
Size Smaller in size (compared to egg Much bigger than sperm
cells). cells.
Movement Can move by themselves due to the Can not move by
tail. themselves.
Food Does not contain food reserves. Contains food reserves.
Difference between Sperm Cell and Egg Cell:

Fertilization:
 During ovulation, the ovum is released from the ovary and transported to an
area where fertilization, the joining of the sperm and ovum (nuclei fuse), can
occur.
 Fertilization in humans occurs in the fallopian tube.
 Fertilization results in the formation of the zygote (fertilized egg).
 Definition: The joining of a sperm cell and egg cell may be referred to as
fertilization.
 Each gamete has 23 chromosomes in the nucleus. When the cell’s nuclei fuse
and the sperm cell and egg cell join, the 2 sets of 23 chromosomes lead to 46
chromosomes per cell in the offspring.
 Definition of Zygote: The new cell that is formed when the nucleus of the
sperm cell and egg cell fuse/join together is known as a zygote.

sperm cell+ egg cell fertilization zygote


 All humans begin life like this, from a single cell.


 Over the next days, months, or even years, the cell divides over and over
again, eventually producing all of the million cells of a human body.

2 Types of Cell Division:


1. Meiosis
o Meiosis is a type of cell division that results in the formation of 4
daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the
parent cell.
2. Mitosis
o Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in the formation of 2
daughter cells, each with the same number and kind of chromosomes
as the parent cell.
Meiosis - Gametes:
Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that occurs in reproductive organs,
producing gametes (sperm and egg cells) with half the number of chromosomes. This
ensures genetic diversity and maintains the chromosome number across generations.
1. Chromosome Duplication: Before division, the DNA in the parent cell is copied.
2. Two Rounds of Division: The cell divides twice, producing four genetically
unique haploid cells, each with 23 chromosomes (in humans).
3. Genetic Variation: Each gamete is different due to processes like crossing over
(exchange of genetic material) and independent assortment (random
distribution of chromosomes).
Key Features of Meiosis:
 Produces four non-identical haploid gametes.
 Increases genetic variation.
 Reduces chromosome number from diploid (2n = 46) to haploid (n = 23).
 Ensures chromosome stability across generations when gametes fuse during
fertilization.
Mitosis - Growth and Repair:
Mitosis is the process by which somatic (body) cells divide to produce genetically
identical daughter cells for growth, tissue repair, and maintenance.
1. DNA Replication: The genetic material is copied.
2. Single Cell Division: One round of division occurs, producing two diploid (2n)
daughter cells identical to the parent cell.
3. Purpose: Mitosis allows organisms to grow, heal wounds, and replace dead
cells while maintaining genetic stability.
Key Features of Mitosis:
 Produces two identical diploid cells.
 No genetic variation (except in mutations).
 Ensures continuous cell replacement and tissue regeneration.
Comparison of Meiosis and Mitosis:

Feature Meiosis Mitosis


Number of Divisions 2 1
Daughter Cells Produced 4 2
Genetic Variation Yes No (Identical)
Chromosome Number Halved (Haploid) Maintained (Diploid)
Function Reproduction Growth and Repair

Chromosomes
 If an organism has the Diploid number (2n), it has two matching homologous
chromosomes per set. One homologue comes from the mother (with the
mother’s DNA), and the other comes from the father (with the father’s DNA).
 Most organisms are diploid. Humans have 23 sets of chromosomes, meaning
they have a total of 46 chromosomes. The diploid number for humans is 46
(46 chromosomes per cell).
Cell Types and Chromosome Numbers
 Diploid Cells (2n = 46 in humans): Contain two sets of chromosomes, found in
all body (somatic) cells.
 Haploid Cells (n = 23 in humans): Contain one set of chromosomes, found only
in gametes (sperm and egg cells).
 Zygote Formation: During fertilization, haploid gametes fuse, restoring the
diploid chromosome number and forming a zygote (the first cell of a new
organism).
Homologous Chromosomes:
 Homologous Chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes (maternal and
paternal) that are similar in shape and size.
 Homologous pairs (tetrads) carry genes controlling the same inherited
traits.
 Each locus (position of a gene) is in the same position on homologous
chromosomes.
Pairs of Homologous Chromosomes:
 Humans have 23 pairs of homologous chromosomes:
o 22 pairs of autosomes
o 1 pair of sex chromosomes

Sex of the Baby:


 All of the chromosomes come from parents. One set from father and one
from mother. This information can be used to determine the sex of the
baby.
 One pair or 2 chromosomes are known as sex chromosomes; they
determine whether the baby is a boy or girl.
 Y chromosomes are much smaller than X chromosomes.
 A person with XY chromosomes is male, while XX is a female. YY is
impossible and is an abnormality in the baby.
 All eggs must contain one X chromosome.
 Remember gametes only have one set and hence have only one kind of
chromosome.
 So, during fertilization, either the X-containing sperm cell (zygote will have
XX chromosomes) or Y-containing sperm cell (zygote will have XY
chromosomes) could join with an egg.
 The chances of these events are approximately equal, and hence, the
number of boys and girls born is almost equal.
Inheritance:
 People are different because they inherit different characteristics (or traits)
from their parents.
 Like all babies, this child carries a unique set of genes, half from his mother
and half from his father.
 A person’s unique characteristics are caused by:
o the set of genes they inherited from their parents (nature).
o the environment in which they developed (nurture).
 Some characteristics, such as eye color and earlobe shape, are only
determined by genes. These are called inherited characteristics.
 Other characteristics, such as scars and hair length, are not inherited but
depend on environmental factors. These are called acquired
characteristics.
 Differences in some characteristics are due to a combination of both
inherited and environmental factors. In some cases, it can be difficult to say
how much influence each factor has.
 A baby’s sex is determined by the X or Y chromosome it inherits from the -
parents. This is called sex inheritance.

Unit 7.3: Variation


Variation:
 A species is a group of organisms that share common features and can
breed to produce offspring. However, no two individuals are exactly alike.
 Definition: Variation refers to the differences between individuals of the
same species.
Causes of Variation:
 Variation arises due to two main factors:
1. Genetic Factors (Inheritance)
2. Environmental Factors
 Characteristics in an individual are influenced by both genetic inheritance
and environmental conditions.
 Example:
o A dog’s weight depends partly on its genes (inherited) and partly on
its diet (environmental).
o The height of a sunflower is affected by both its genetic makeup and
the amount of sunlight and water it receives.
Types of Variation:
Variation can be categorized into two types:
1. Continuous Variation
 Individuals within a population exhibit traits that vary within a range.
 There are no distinct categories—traits occur on a spectrum.
 Examples:
o Human height
o Animal body mass
o Number of plant leaves
Characteristics of Continuous Variation:
 Influenced by both genes and environment.
 Results in a range of phenotypes between two extremes.
 Traits can be measured on a scale (e.g., height, weight, hair color shades).
 Example: Human height varies from the shortest person in the world to the
tallest, with all possible heights in between.
2. Discontinuous Variation
 Individuals fall into distinct categories with no intermediate states.
 Caused by genetic factors alone.
Characteristics of Discontinuous Variation:
 Controlled solely by genes.
 Results in a limited number of distinct phenotypes with no in-between values.
 Examples:
o Blood groups (A, B, AB, or O)
o Eye color
o Sex (male or female)
o Example: The ABO blood group system consists of only four possible
blood types. There are no values in between, making it an example of
discontinuous variation.
Genetic Factors in Variation:
 Genes contain DNA, which determines inherited characteristics.
 Offspring receive a unique combination of genes from both parents, resulting
in genetic variation.
 Different genes influence traits such as height, skin color, and the presence or
absence of horns in goats.
Environmental Factors in Variation:
 Environmental conditions influence physical traits.
 Examples:
o A goat’s coat color is determined genetically, but its size depends on its
diet.
o A child’s height is influenced by both genetic inheritance and nutrition.
 Thus, variation arises due to both genetic differences and environmental
conditions.
Conclusion:
 Variation exists in all species, ensuring diversity among individuals.
 Some traits are inherited, while others result from environmental factors.
 Continuous variation occurs within a range, while discontinuous variation
leads to distinct categories.
 By understanding variation, we gain insights into evolution, genetics, and how
organisms adapt to their surroundings.

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