1. INTRODUCTION TO MOLECULAR GENETICS

2. Gene
The hereditary determinant of a specified difference between individual
The basic unit of heredity
The unit which passed from generation to generation following simple Mendelian inheritance
A segment of DNA which encodes protein synthesis
Any of the units occurring at specific points on the chromosomes, by which hereditary characters are transmitted and determined, and each is regarded as a particular state of organization of the chromatin in the chromosome, consisting primarily DNA and protein

3. Genetics The study of heredity
The study of how differences between individuals are transmitted from one generation to the next
The study of how information in the genes is used in the development and functioning of the adult organism

4. Three Major Areas of Genetics
Classical Genetics
(Transmission)
Molecular Genetics
Evolutionary Genetics
Mendel’s Principles
Genom
Quantitative Genetics
Meiosis + mitosis
DNA structure
Population Genetics
Sex determination
Chemistry of DNA
Evolution
Sex linkage
Transcription
Speciation
Chromosomal mapping
Translation
Cytogenetics
Control of gene expression
DNA cloning

5. Major Subdisciplines of Genetics
Transmission Genetics: focuses on the transmission of genes and chromosomes in individuals from generation to generation.
Molecular Genetics: focuses on the structure and function of genes at the molecular level.
Population Genetics: focuses on heredity in groups of individuals for traits determined by one or only a few genes.
Quantitative Genetics: focuses on heredity in groups of individuals for traits determined by many genes simultaneously.

6. Molecular Genetics ? Molecular Biology?
Understanding the molecular basis of biological processes through studies on the gene
Study of gene structure, function and regulation – below the organism level
Study of genes and how they are expressed
The Molecular Basis of Genetics
Molecular Biology?
Study of molecules in cells

7. Two broad approaches Classical: Reverse: biological process identify
mutants
Classical:
find
the gene
biochemical
function
gene
in hand
Reverse:
create
mutants
biological
process
phenotype?

8. Classical Method Genotype Phenotype Discover new phenotype
Prove that it has genetic basis (i.e. that you discovered a new mutation)
Find the gene that has mutated
Understand what and how the wild type gene does

9. Classical Method Genotype Phenotype Discover new phenotype
Prove that it has genetic basis (i.e. that you discovered a new mutation)
Find the gene that has mutated
Understand what and how the wild type gene does

10. Reverse genetics Genotype Phenotype Change something in a known gene
Observe phenotypic effect
Find out why you see what you see
Understand what and how the wild type gene does

11. Reverse genetics Genotype Phenotype Change something in a known gene
Observe phenotypic effect
Find out why you see what you see
Understand what and how the wild type gene does

12. Genetics Biochemistry
Gene products are studied in vivo through the genes that encode them
Gene products are purified and studied in vitro
Genetic analysis tells you that the product has a role in the process
Biochemistry tells you what a protein can do in vitro
It doesn’t tell you whether it really does it in vivo
It doesn’t tell you how direct the role is

13. INTRODUCTION TO MOLECULAR GENETICS
Genome
Genetic Material (DNA & RNA)
DNA structure
Chemistry of DNA
Transcription and translation
Control of gene expression
Molecular tool
DNA cloning

14. B – D → 45 – 80 (Normal distribution)
Grading system
Grade : 0 – 100
A > 80
B – D → 45 – 80 (Normal distribution)
E < 45
Grade composition
Home work : 30
Mid-term
Final Exam 40