Topic 3: Genetics

3.1 Genes

• Gene, Allele, Locus

• Mutations: Base substitution (e.g., sickle cell anemia)

• Genome Projects: Human Genome Project.

3.2 Chromosomes

• Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Chromosomes

• Diploid/Haploid: Homologous chromosomes, karyotypes.

• Sex Determination: XX/XY, autosomes vs sex chromosomes.

3.3 Meiosis

• Reduction Division: Two divisions → 4 haploid cells.

• Crossing Over, Independent Assortment

• Variation in Offspring

3.4 Inheritance

• Mendel’s Laws: Dominant, recessive, codominance, etc.

• Punnett Squares: Mono- and dihybrid crosses.

• Sex-linked Traits: Hemophilia, red-green color blindness.

• Blood Types: Codominance (A, B, AB, O)

• Pedigree Analysis

3.5 Genetic Modification and Biotechnology

• Gel Electrophoresis, PCR

• GMO Crops, Insulin Production

• Cloning: Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (e.g., Dolly the sheep)