1. Introduction to Genetics
Unit 1
Introduction to Genetics

2. Georgia Performance Standards for Biology Genetics
SB2. Students will analyze how biological traits are passed on to\
successive generations.
a. Distinguish between DNA and RNA.
b. Explain the role of DNA in storing and transmitting cellular information.
c. Using Mendel’s laws, explain the role of meiosis in reproductive variability.
d. Describe the relationships between changes in DNA and potential appearance of new traits including:
Alterations during replication.
Insertions
Deletions
Substitutions
Mutagenic factors that can alter DNA.
High energy radiation (x-rays and ultraviolet)
Chemical
e. Compare the advantages of sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction in different situations.
f. Examine the use of DNA technology in forensics, medicine, and agriculture.

3. Chemical basis of life DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)
Storage molecule for:
information to produce proteins responsible for the structure (building) of a cell/organism and
information to produce proteins responsible for a cell/organism’s its function (life processes)

4. What is Genetics? The science of inheritance (or heredity)
The study of the transmission of traits from one generation to the next generation

5. What is a trait ? A distinguishing characteristic or feature
found in or on a living thing.
Types of Traits
Acquired
Inherited
Some traits are a combination of both

6. Acquired trait
A feature that comes from the environment or an ability that is learned
(You are not born with it!)

7. Inherited Trait
A feature that is passed down from the parents to their offspring

8. How are traits inherited?
Humans, as well as many other living things, pass down traits that are needed for the structure (shape) and function of new organisms.

9. Where is the information that produces traits located in most cells?
DNA
In protists, fungi, plants and animals, DNA can be found in the:
nucleus : contain nuclear DNA or chromosomal DNA
mitochondria : contain mitochondrial DNA
In some protists and plants, DNA can also be found in
chloroplasts : contain chloroplast DNA
mtDNA
mtDNA
Nuclear DNA
Chloroplast DNA
nuclearDNA

10. Levels of structural and functional organization are controlled by DNA

11. FATHER OF GENETICS Gregor Mendel
Austrian monk
In 1850s, carried out experiments using common pea plants.
Studied seven different traits and the inheritance patterns produced in the offspring from the parent plants that were mated through cross pollination.
The hereditary mechanisms derived from the results of these experiments can be applied to other complex living organisms, including humans to this day.

12. The Scientists of the Double Helix
Rosalind Franklin
X-ray Diffraction image of DNA
*Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine Medal
1962
*Francis Crick *James Watson
*Maurice Wilkins