1. Genetics Basics (Heredity)

2. DNA – is made up of nucleotides and is the ‘blueprint’ for an organism, it contains all the information that determines inherited characteristics

3. Trait – the expression of the information found within a gene

4. Gene – series of nucleotides found within the DNA that encodes for a given trait (ex. Hair color, blood type, etc.)

5. Alleles – different forms of the same genes such as brown eyes vs
Alleles – different forms of the same genes such as brown eyes vs. blue eyes

6. Genetic Variation – different combinations of genes between members of the same species, essential to biodiversity and the stability of a population

7. Let’s take a look at the genetic diversity of our class…

8. Attached ear lobes

9. Widows Peak

10. Hitchhiker’s Thumb

11. Tongue Roll

12. Chromosomes – the structures of DNA made up of genes
Homologous Chromosome – chromosomes that have the same genes in the same locations “pairs”
Each organism gets one chromosome from their mother, one from their father to make up the pair.

13. Karyotype – is an organized profile of a person’s chromosomes
Karyotype – is an organized profile of a person’s chromosomes. Chromosomes are arranged and numbered by size (from largest to smallest, except for sex chromosomes which are always placed last). This genetic picture makes it easy to recognize chromosomal mutations.

14. Female Chromosome Karyotype

15. Male Chromosome Karyotype