-The relationship between genes and traits. -Fields 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.