Intro to Genetics

What makes an animal the way that they are?

• Animals are the result of Feed, Health, and Inheritance (genetic material)• Feed is fastest to correct• Genetics last longest

What is Selection?• Mating animals to produce certain

characteristics• Low Birthweight• Heavier Weaning Weight• Color• Horned or Polled• Temperment

What is Genetics?

So what are chromosomes?

• Are found in the nucleus of the cell• Rod-like in shape• Can be seen under the microscope• Carriers for genes• Occur in pairs• Sex chromosomes: male = XY,

female = XX

What about genes?• Genes make up the “blueprint.”• Genes tell the organism how to look

and act.• Genes are composed of DNA.

Genes are basic …• The physical and functional units of

heredity for plants, animals and humans• Every living cell contains 2 genes –

one from each parent• The unit of inheritance carrying traits

inheritable by offspring through reproduction

What is DNA?

• DNA stands forDEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID

• The DNA molecule is important in the “blueprint” of all living organisms.

• Component of the gene that controls inheritance

The DNA molecule …• Two strands wrapping around each

other• Resembles a twisted ladder• Described as a double stranded helix,

or spiral• The sides are sugar and phosphate

molecules.• The rungs are nitrogen-containing

chemicals called bases.

Genetic engineering is possible because …• DNA is a fairly simple structure.• Scientists can alter the DNA of a gene

and the information that DNA contains.• Genes are organized the same way in

all organisms, so genes can be moved from one organism to another.

So why do the rules matter?• Each new strand exactly copies an

old strand.• This prevents errors in cells or

offspring.• If the rules are broken it’s a

Scientists are busy mapping• A chromosome map• For many plants, animals and for

humans• Chromosomal location for genetic

diseasesCystic fibrosisSickle cell disease

And some more terms …• The study of inheritance is called

GENETICS.• The master blueprint for a living

organism is called a GENOME.• Biological research with DNA

combines biochemistry and genetics and is called MOLECULAR BIOLOGY.