L 1 Introduction Flashcards
Genetics
Study of genes, heredity and genetic variation in living organisms. Generally considered biology however spans many of the life sciences
Molecular Genetics
Studies the structure and function of genes at a molecular level
Why is the study of genetics important
Genes…
Influence our lives
Contribute to personality
Fundamental to who and what we are
Baby genes newborn screening panel
Must be ordered by a physician, screens about 100 genes that are not on the normal screening panel
Reasons not to edit the human germline
Still issues with safety, efficacy and delivery, must assess the debate of various people involved, moral reasons
Reasons for editing the human genome
No more risky than natural sexual selection, rid certain disease
Luxturna
A genetically modified virus that ferries a healthy gene into the eyes of patients born with retinal dystrophy
Genome
Complete set of genetic instructions for any organism, can be RNA or DNA, coding system for genomic information
Transmission genetics
Classical genetics, how traits are passed from one generation to the next
Molecular Genetics
Studies gene structure, function, and regulation
Population genetics
The study of the genetic composition of groups and how gene frequency changes geographically or with time (evolution)
Population genetics and epidemiology
Analyzes the patterns, causes and effects of health and disease in defined populations
Model genetic organisms
Organisms with characteristics that make them useful for genetic analysis
Most common model organisms
Fruit fly (Drosphilia), E. Coli, C. Elegans, Arabidopsis, Mus musculus, Sachamomyces (yeast), Danio rerio (zebrafish)
Traits beneficial in model organisms
Short generation time, produces numerous progeny, ability to carry out controlled genetic crosses, ability to be reared in a laboratory environment, availability of numerous genetic variants, vast body of knowledge of genetic systems
Why are model organisms useful
Because of the basic similarity among all living things
First multicellular organism to have entire genome sequenced
C. elegan
Germ-plasm theory
All cells contain a complete set of genetic information
Cell theory
All life is composed of cells and cells arise only from cells
Mendelian inheritance
Traits are inherited in accord with defined principles
Pangenesis
Incorrect theory that states genetic information travels from different parts of the body to the reproductive organs
Inheritance of acquired characteristics
Incorrect theory that states that traits used more often are placed into the genetic information and ones that are not are lost
Preformation
Incorrect theory that states miniature organisms resides in sex cells and all traits are inherited from a single parent
Blending inheritance
Incorrect theory that states genes blend and mix
