1. Introduction to Genetics
Benjamin A. Pierce
GENETICS
A Conceptual Approach
FIFTH EDITION
CHAPTER 1
Introduction to Genetics
© 2014 W. H. Freeman and Company

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

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

4. 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

5. 1.1 Genetics Is Important to Individuals, to Society, and to the Study of Biology
Genes affect our susceptibility to many diseases and disorders

6. 1.1 Genetics Is Important to Individuals, to Society, and to the Study of Biology
Genes are important in agriculture

7. 1.1 Genetics Is Important to Individuals, to Society, and to the Study of Biology
Genes are important in biotechnology and medicine

8. 1.1 Genetics Is Important to Individuals, to Society, and to the Study of Biology
Genes are important in development

9. Genome
A genome is a complete set of genetic instructions for any organism.
Either RNA or DNA
Coding system for genomic information very similar among organisms

10. Division of Genetics Transmission genetics Molecular genetics
Population genetics

11. Figure 1.6 Genetics can be subdivided into three interrelated fields.

12. Model Genetic Organisms
Model genetic organisms are organisms with characteristics that make them useful for genetic analysis.
Six have been the most intensively studied genetically

13. 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 13

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

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

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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 1.2 Humans Have Been Using Genetics for Thousands of Years
10,000–12,000 years ago: domestication of plants and animals
Ancient Jewish writing: understanding of genetics of hemophilia
Ancient Greeks: theories of inheritance

24. The Rise of the Science of Genetics
Gregor Mendel: principles of heredity
Schleiden and Schwann: Cell theory
Flemming: Chromosomes
Darwin: Evolution
Weismann: Germ-plasm theory
Sutton: Genes are located on chromosomes
Other modern geneticists

26. 1.3: Fundamental Concepts in Genetics
Eukaryotic vs. prokaryotic
Genes are the fundamental unit of heredity
Genes come in multiple forms called alleles
Genes confer phenotypes
Genetic information is carried in DNA and RNA
Genes are located on chromosomes

27. 1.3: Fundamental Concepts in Genetics (continued)
Chromosomes separate through mitosis and meiosis
DNA to RNA to protein
Mutations can cause permanent changes
Some traits are affected by multiple factors
Evolution is genetic change