Genetics and Inheritance

Study Notes

Genetics

Key Concepts:

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid): a double-stranded molecule containing genetic instructions
Genes: segments of DNA that encode specific traits or functions
Genotype: an individual's complete set of genes
Phenotype: an individual's physical and behavioral characteristics

Genetic Inheritance:

Mendelian Inheritance: the study of how traits are passed down from parents to offspring
Laws of Inheritance:
1. Law of Segregation: each pair of alleles separates during gamete formation
2. Law of Independent Assortment: alleles for different genes are sorted independently
3. Law of Dominance: a dominant allele will be expressed over a recessive allele

Genetic Variation:

Mutations: changes in DNA sequence that can result in new traits or disorders
Genetic Drift: random changes in allele frequencies in a population
Gene Flow: the movement of genes from one population to another

Cell Biology

Cell Structure:

Plasma Membrane: a semi-permeable membrane surrounding the cell
Cytoplasm: a jelly-like substance inside the cell where metabolic processes occur
Nucleus: the control center of the cell where DNA is stored
Mitochondria: organelles responsible for generating energy for the cell
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): a network of membranous tubules and cisternae involved in protein synthesis and transport
Lysosomes: membrane-bound sacs containing digestive enzymes

Cellular Processes:

Cell Division: the process by which a cell divides into two daughter cells
- Mitosis: the process of cell division resulting in two identical daughter cells
- Meiosis: the process of cell division resulting in four non-identical daughter cells (gametes)
Cell Signaling: the process by which cells communicate with each other through signaling molecules
Cellular Transport: the movement of molecules in and out of the cell
- Passive Transport: movement of molecules from high to low concentration without energy input
- Active Transport: movement of molecules from low to high concentration using energy input

Genetics

Key Concepts

DNA is a double-stranded molecule containing genetic instructions
Genes are segments of DNA that encode specific traits or functions
An individual's complete set of genes is known as their genotype
An individual's physical and behavioral characteristics are their phenotype

Genetic Inheritance

Mendelian Inheritance is the study of how traits are passed down from parents to offspring
The Law of Segregation states that each pair of alleles separates during gamete formation
The Law of Independent Assortment states that alleles for different genes are sorted independently
The Law of Dominance states that a dominant allele will be expressed over a recessive allele

Genetic Variation

Mutations are changes in DNA sequence that can result in new traits or disorders
Genetic Drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population
Gene Flow is the movement of genes from one population to another

Cell Biology

Cell Structure

The Plasma Membrane is a semi-permeable membrane surrounding the cell
Cytoplasm is a jelly-like substance inside the cell where metabolic processes occur
The Nucleus is the control center of the cell where DNA is stored
Mitochondria are organelles responsible for generating energy for the cell
The Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) is a network of membranous tubules and cisternae involved in protein synthesis and transport
Lysosomes are membrane-bound sacs containing digestive enzymes

Cellular Processes

Cell Division is the process by which a cell divides into two daughter cells
Mitosis is the process of cell division resulting in two identical daughter cells
Meiosis is the process of cell division resulting in four non-identical daughter cells (gametes)
Cell Signaling is the process by which cells communicate with each other through signaling molecules
Cellular Transport is the movement of molecules in and out of the cell
Passive Transport is the movement of molecules from high to low concentration without energy input
Active Transport is the movement of molecules from low to high concentration using energy input

Description

Test your knowledge of genetics and inheritance, including DNA, genes, genotype, phenotype, and Mendelian inheritance. Learn about the laws of inheritance and how traits are passed down from parents to offspring.