Genetics and Inheritance

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

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.