Download Overview of Genetics

Overview of Genetics
-The relationship between genes and
traits.
-Fields of Genetics.
The Human Genome Project
• Began in 1990 in the United States.
• Genome – the DNA found within all of our
chromosomes.
• Determined the DNA sequence covering 90%
of the human genome. = 99.9% accurate.
• Studying the human genome allows us to
explore fundamental details about ourselves
at the molecular level.
Human Genome Project, cont.
• Is expected to answer questions like:
– How many genes do we have?
– How do genes direct the activities of living cells?
– How do species evolve?
– How do single cells develop into complex tissues?
– How do defective genes cause diseases?
The Relationship Between Genes and
Traits
• Genetics - the branch of biology that deals
with heredity and variation.
• Genetic variation is the root of the natural
diversity that we observe among members of
the same species as well as among different
species.
• Gene – a segment of DNA that produces a
functional product.
Genes and Traits
• The functional product of most genes is a
polypeptide.
• A polypeptide is a linear (a line) sequence of
amino acids that folds into units that make up
proteins.
• Traits – characteristics of organisms.
• Genes are described according to the way they
affect traits.
Traits
• Examples include: eye color, hair texture,
height.
• As an organism grows and develops, its
collection of genes provides a blueprint that
determines its characteristics.
Living Cells are Composed of
Biochemicals
• Figure 1.4 in your book
• It is important to understand that when we
talk about the biochemical level we are talking
about very small chemicals in cells.