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

2. 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

3. 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.

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

5. 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

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

7. Division of Genetics Transmission genetics Molecular genetics
Population genetics

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

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

10. 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

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

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

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

14. 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

15. 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