Introduction to Genetics

Study Notes

Genetic refers to the study of heredity, genes, and genetic variation
It involves the analysis of genes, their structure, function, and transmission from one generation to the next

Genotype: The genetic makeup of an individual, including all of its genes
Phenotype: The physical and behavioral characteristics of an individual, resulting from the interaction of its genotype and the environment
Gene expression: The process by which the information encoded in a gene is converted into a functional product, such as a protein
Genetic variation: The differences in the genetic code between individuals, which can lead to differences in phenotype

Autosomal genes: Genes located on non-sex chromosomes (22 pairs in humans)
Sex-linked genes: Genes located on sex chromosomes (X and Y in humans)
Mitochondrial genes: Genes located in the mitochondria, responsible for energy production

Mendelian inheritance: The passing of traits from one generation to the next, following the laws of Mendelian genetics
Dominant and recessive genes: Dominant genes will always be expressed, while recessive genes will only be expressed if an individual is homozygous for the recessive allele
Incomplete dominance: When one allele does not completely dominate the other, resulting in a combination of both traits

Autosomal dominant disorders: Caused by a single dominant allele, such as Huntington's disease
Autosomal recessive disorders: Caused by two recessive alleles, such as cystic fibrosis
X-linked disorders: Caused by genes located on the X chromosome, such as hemophilia

DNA sequencing: The process of determining the order of nucleotides in a DNA molecule
Genetic testing: The use of genetic information to diagnose or predict the risk of a genetic disorder
Genetic engineering: The manipulation of an organism's genome to produce a desired trait or characteristic

Study of heredity, genes, and genetic variation to understand how traits are passed from one generation to the next
Analysis of genes involves structure, function, and transmission from one generation to the next

Genotype: Complete set of genes an individual possesses, determining characteristics like eye color and height
Phenotype: Physical and behavioral characteristics resulting from interaction between genotype and environment
Gene expression: Process by which genetic information is converted into functional products like proteins
Genetic variation: Differences in genetic code between individuals, leading to differences in phenotype

Autosomal genes: Non-sex chromosomes (22 pairs in humans) carrying genetic information
Sex-linked genes: Genes located on sex chromosomes (X and Y in humans) influencing traits like color blindness
Mitochondrial genes: Genes in mitochondria responsible for energy production, inherited from mother

Mendelian inheritance: Passing of traits from one generation to the next, following laws of Mendelian genetics
Dominant and recessive genes: Dominant genes always expressed, while recessive genes only expressed if homozygous for recessive allele
Incomplete dominance: Combination of both traits resulting from one allele not completely dominating the other

Autosomal dominant disorders: Single dominant allele causing disorders like Huntington's disease
Autosomal recessive disorders: Two recessive alleles causing disorders like cystic fibrosis
X-linked disorders: Genes on X chromosome causing disorders like hemophilia

DNA sequencing: Determining order of nucleotides in a DNA molecule to understand genetic code
Genetic testing: Using genetic information to diagnose or predict risk of genetic disorders
Genetic engineering: Manipulating an organism's genome to produce desired traits or characteristics