Introduction to Genetics Benjamin A. Pierce GENETICS A Conceptual Approach FOURTH EDITION CHAPTER 1 Introduction to Genetics © 2012 W. H. Freeman and Company

Chapter 1 Outline 1.1 Genetics Is Important to Us Individually, to Society, and to the Study of Biology, 2 1.2 Humans Have Been Using Genetics for Thousands of Years, 7 1.3 A Few Fundamental Concepts Are Important for the Start of Our Journey into Genetics, 11

Hopi bowl, early twentieth century Hopi bowl, early twentieth century. Albinism, a genetic condition, arise with high frequency among the Hopi people and occupies a special place in the Hopi culture.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Genetics The importance of genetics The history of genetics The fundamental terms and principles of genetics

1.1 Genetics Is Important to Individuals, to Society, and to the Study of Biology Genes influence our lives Genes contribute to personality Genes are fundamental to who and what we are

Genome A genome is a complete set of genetic instructions for any organism.

Division of Genetics Transmission genetics Molecular genetics Population genetics

Figure 1.6 Genetics can be subdivided into three interrelated fields.

Model Genetic Organisms Model genetic organisms are organisms with characteristics that make them useful for genetic analysis.

Common characteristics of model organisms Short generation time. Production of numerous progeny. The ability to carry out controlled genetic crosses. The ability to be reared in a laboratory environment. The availability of numerous genetic variants. An accumulated body of knowledge about their genetic systems. 10

Figure 1.7 Model genetic organisms are species having features that make them useful for genetic analysis.

Figure 1.7 Model genetic organisms are species having features that make them useful for genetic analysis.

Figure 1.7 Model genetic organisms are species having features that make them useful for genetic analysis.

Concept Check 1 What are some of the implications of all organisms having similar genetic systems? That all life forms are genetically related That research findings on one organism’s gene function can often be applied to other organisms That genes from one organism can often exist and thrive in another organism All of the above

Concept Check 1 What are some of the implications of all organisms having similar genetic systems? That all life forms are genetically related That research findings on one organism’s gene function can often be applied to other organisms That genes from one organism can often exist and thrive in another organism All of the above