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 WongGenetic 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 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 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