Download Why Study Genetics?*

Why Study Genetics?*
*or “What am I going to learn in this class?”
Why study genetics?
• The study of genetics has helped to unlock some
of the mysteries of life and brings up the question
of what it really means to be human.
• We have learned more about:
– Who we were
– Who we are
– Who we are becoming
• The future of genetics has no end in sight, as the
more we know, the more questions we have.
Who We Were…
• Genetic Analysis Reveals Complexity of Modern
Human Origins; Scientific American March 2002
Kate Wong
• Your Inner Fish; Neil Shubin
• Molecular Clocks
• Eugenics
Who we are…
• Everything that makes us who we are is
influenced by our DNA and genes
• Human Genome Project
• Genetic Errors
– Often get all the attention
• Normal Gene Functioning
– How our bodies work and allow us to do the things
we do
Fig. 21-5
Proteins
Who We Are Becoming…
• Societal impacts of our knowledge
• Biotechnology/Bioethics
• Genetic Testing
• Genetic Manipulation
• Agriculture/GMO’s
• What does the future hold?
The Study of Genetics
• Molecular Genetics
– Smallest scale—individual organism
– DNA->RNA->Protein = traits
• Transmission Genetics
– Next level--generational
– How genes are inherited
• Population Genetics
– Large scale—entire population
– Natural selection favors certain traits, which means
that certain genes are favored as well.
Genetic Terminology
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Define as many of these terms as you can
based on what you already know about
genetics.
Gene
Mutation
Allele
Dominant
Recessive
Phenotype
Genotype
Sex chromosome
Autosome