Fundamentals of Genetics

1
Fundamentals of Genetics

• Gregor Mendels Legacy

2
Gregor Mendel

• Born 1821
• Entered a monastery in Austria at age of 21.
• Tended to a garden during his stay.
• Later attended University of Vienna in math and
  science.
• Returned to monastery as teacher.
• Experimented with pea plants.

3
Genetics

• The field of biology devoted to understanding
  how characteristics are transmitted from parents
  to offspring Heredity.

4
Genetic Terms

• Trait A category within which alternate
  characteristics, such as height and eye color,
  can be observed.
• P1 generation Parent generation.
• F1 generation The first generation.
• F2 generation The second generation.

• Allele An alternative form of a gene.
• Gene Segment of DNA on a chromosome that
  controls a particular hereditary trait.
• Dominant When one allele masks another allele
  for the same characteristic, denoted by a capital
  letter. Ex. Brown eyes (B) are dominant over blue
  eyes (b).
• Recessive When one allele is masked by another
  allele for the same characteristic, denoted by a
  lower case letter. Ex. Blue eyes (b) are
  recessive over brown eyes (B).

5
Chromosome, DNA, Gene
6
Genetic Laws

• Law of segregation A pair of factors is
  segregated, or separated, during the formation of
  gametes.
• i.e. Each reproductive cell, sperm or egg,
  receives only 1 factor of each pair.

• Law of independent assortment Factors for
  different characteristics are distributed to
  gametes individually.
• i.e. Each reproductive cell receives the factors
  randomly.