Do now: Write in your notebook, what do you think of when you hear the word genetics? 5 mins

What is Genetics? Genetics is the study of genes.

What are genes? Genes are segments of DNA that code for a specific protein Chromosomes are made up of genes, which are made up of DNA. We further discuss the structure of genes later in the semester. Genetic material (genes, chromosomes, DNA) is found inside the nucleus of a cell.

Inheritance Heredityis how traits, or characteristics, are passed on from generation to generation. Inheritance are all of the genetic characters or qualities transmitted from parent to offspring.

History Gregor Mendel is considered “The Father of Genetics“ Austrian Monk. Experimented with “pea plants”. Used pea plants because: They were available They reproduced quickly They showed obvious differences in the traits Understood that there was something that carried traits from one generation to the next- “FACTOR”.

Particulate Hypothesis of Inheritance: Parents pass on to their offspring separate and distinct factors (today called genes) that are responsible for inherited traits.

Genetics Today DNA is a universal code. All living things with DNA are thought and proven to be able to use each others DNA. This gave rise to a sub branch of genetics: Genetic Engineering. Scientific alteration of the structure of genetic material in a living organism.

But why should you care? Would you eat foods that contained GMOs? Humans fear what they do not understand What is a GMO? But when they understand it, they can use it to its full potential What is parental testing? Is it accurate? Should I test for BRAC? What do these results mean? Can DNA prove someone’s innocence? What is genetic counseling?

Where is genetics used? Medicine Immunity Preventive care Treatment Gene therapy Research Evolution Medical Agriculture Genetically modified crops Animal genetics Livestock Selective breeding Cloning

Medicine In the future, doctors and scientists hope to use our genetic information to diagnose, treat, prevent and cure many illnesses. A 23andMe personalized genetic testing kit

Agriculture GMOs Genetically modified organisms  BT-corn(named after Bacillus thruringiensis) is a form of sweet corn that has been genetically modified to include an insect-killing gene The farmer doesn't have to spray with pesticides, because the insects die from eating the corn.  Tomatoes-GM tomatoes don't rot as quickly as regular tomatoes, so they can tolerate longer periods of transportation

Identification and Ancestry Forensics 311 formally incarcerated people have been freed by Project Innocent Over 2000 according to CNN Ancestral lineage National geographic genographic project traces the migration patterns of people’s ancestors

Animal genetics All dogs are descendants of wolves Traits selected for different reasons and bred for resulted in all the breeds we know now. Cows are altered so that they produce more milk Goats that produce milk with pharmaceutics (Drugs)

Evolution Genetics have aided in the discovery of missing links in the evolution of mankind and other forms of life

Exit Slip Starting with “Today I learned that…” write down something specific you learned today.