Introduction to Genetics Lesson 2

Introduction to Genetics

By Rahan Rahman

Today we will learn!

Students will be able to state the definition of genetics and provide examples of its uses in society

​Success Criteria

Students will be able to understand what genetics is and its importance in society

Learning intention

​Lets kick things off with a video...

Lets rewind, who is familiar with this?

Multiple Choice

The above image is called

• Periodic table of the elements

• Graphical representation of the building blocks

• Elemental composition of matter

• Structural elements for life

Where do these elements come from?

Some of the most common elements in the universe are..

​

• 1) Hydrogen

• 2) Helium

• 3) Oxygen

• 4) Carbon

• 5) Neon

• 6) Nitrogen

Some of the most common elements in the human body are...

About 99% of the mass of the human body is made up of six elements
1) Carbon
2) Oxygen
3) Hydrogen
4) Nitrogen
5) Calcium
6) Phosphorus.

Multiple Choice

Out of the 6 most common elements in the universe and human body, 4 of these are shared. What are they?

• Phosphorous, Calcium, Nitrogen and Oxygen

• Oxygen, Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Carbon

• Helium, Carbon, Nitrogen, Calcium

• Carbon, Oxygen, Phosphorous and Silicon

Chemistry becomes the building blocks of life

​The Bases:
Adenine (A)
Guanine (G)
Cytosine (C)
Thymine (T)

Multiple Choice

The 4 DNA base pairs are:

• Adenine (A) - Thymine (T), Cytosine (C) - Guanine (G)
• Uracil (U) - Adenine (A) - Thymine (T) - Guanine (G)

• Adenine (A) - Cytosine (C) - Uracil (U) - Gallaline (G)

Linking it all together...

Bases Form DNA, and DNA contains Genes, Genes are contained within chromosomes.

DNA is...

A large molecule that is contained within the nucleus of each cell.

It is comprised of nucleotides which are a sugar (ribose) and phosphate molecules attached to a base.

The base is what carries the genetic information

Bases link together to form genes

Genes are a segment of DNA.

Each Gene contains the information that builds the proteins to create a specific trait.

It is estimated that there are approximately 20,000 genes in the human body.

A trait is...

A trait is a feature or characteristic that a person possesses. For example: Hair colour, eye colour.

A trait that can be passed on through generations are called heritable traits. Heritable means can be passed from parent to offspring.

Match

Match the descriptions

• DNA

• Gene

• Chromosome

• Trait

Genetic material that carries genetic instructions

Unit of heredity

Thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus

Characteristic that is inherited

• Genetic material that carries genetic instructions

• Unit of heredity

• Thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus

• Characteristic that is inherited

Genetics

Genetics is the study of how genes and how traits are passed down from one generation to the next.

Our genes carry information that affects our health, our appearance, and even our personality!

​History of Genetics

Prior to the 1850's most work on genetics was completely theoretical.

Genetists worked on a model called inheritance of aquired characteristics formally known as Lamarckism.

Prior to 1850 this was the most accepted theory.

History of Genetics

A more experimental approach was taken after 1850, most notably by a monk known as Gregor Mendel. Now known as the Father of modern genetics.

Although his work was at first ignored, it was later discovered after his death. His discovery was coined Mendelian Inheritance.

Mendelian inheritance is based on 3 laws.
1. Law of dominance and uniformity
2. Law of Segregation
3. Law of independant assortment

We will go into detail about these 3 laws at a later time.

Multiple Choice

Gregor Mendel is known as the

• uncle of modern genetics
• father of modern genetics
• brother of modern genetics
• grandfather of modern genetics

Genetics and its uses:

Medicine:
- Genetic disorders and disease prevention
- Personalised Medicine
- Gene therapy
- Cancer Research

Agriculture:
- Crop Improvement
- Animal Breeding
- Sustainable agriculture

​Forensics:
- DNA profiling
- Paternity and ancestry testing

Understanding Human History and Evolution:
- Human Migration and Evolution
- Anthropology and archeology

Public Health and Environmental Benefits:
- Epidemology
- Environmental Conservation

Multiple Choice

The study of genetics is...

• The study of ancient civilizations and their cultures.
• The study of weather patterns in different regions.
• The study of chemical reactions in laboratory settings.
• The study of genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms.

Open Ended

What did you like about the lesson?
State what the field of genetics is and a usage in society

Mind Map Excercise

On an A4 sheet of paper draw the following: Fill in the mind map based on what you know.

Genetics

​DNA

​Gene

​Trait

​Uses