Intro to Genetics

What makes an animal the way that they are? Animals are the result of Feed, Health, and Inheritance (genetic material) Feed is fastest to correct Genetics last longest

What is Selection? Mating animals to produce certain characteristics Low Birthweight Heavier Weaning Weight Color Horned or Polled Temperment

What is Genetics? All body cells contain “Blueprints” with instructions as to how an animal will look or act etc.

So what are chromosomes? Are found in the nucleus of the cell Rod-like in shape Can be seen under the microscope Carriers for genes Occur in pairs Sex chromosomes: male = XY, female = XX

What about genes? Genes make up the “blueprint.” Genes tell the organism how to look and act. Genes are composed of DNA.

Genes are basic … The physical and functional units of heredity for plants, animals and humans Every living cell contains 2 genes – one from each parent The unit of inheritance carrying traits inheritable by offspring through reproduction

What is DNA? DNA stands for DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID The DNA molecule is important in the “blueprint” of all living organisms. Component of the gene that controls inheritance

The DNA molecule … Two strands wrapping around each other Resembles a twisted ladder Described as a double stranded helix, or spiral The sides are sugar and phosphate molecules. The rungs are nitrogen-containing chemicals called bases.

Genetic engineering is possible because … DNA is a fairly simple structure. Scientists can alter the DNA of a gene and the information that DNA contains. Genes are organized the same way in all organisms, so genes can be moved from one organism to another.

So why do the rules matter? Each new strand exactly copies an old strand. This prevents errors in cells or offspring. If the rules are broken it’s a MUTATION!

Scientists are busy mapping A chromosome map For many plants, animals and for humans Chromosomal location for genetic diseases Cystic fibrosis Sickle cell disease

And some more terms … The study of inheritance is called GENETICS. The master blueprint for a living organism is called a GENOME. Biological research with DNA combines biochemistry and genetics and is called MOLECULAR BIOLOGY.