Genetics I

Genetics I

What is Genetics?

• The study of heredity, or the passing on of traits from an organism to its offspring

The Father of Genetics

• Gregor Mendel, an Austrian monk, studied the variety of traits (different characteristics) in pea plants

• His experiments are now considered to be the beginning of the science of genetics!

Aawww jeez… thanks

guys….

Here is what Mendel did:

• He took the pollen (male sex cells) from one pea plant and transferred it to the pistil (female part) of another pea plant

• This is called cross-pollination.

Cross-Pollination

Mendel found that:

• He was able to cross pea plants with different traits

• After the 1st cross, the F1 generation would show certain traits while some traits seemed to be hidden

• After the 2nd cross, certain traits would reappear in the F2 generation

XP generation

F1 generation

Cross F1 generation

F2 generation

X

More traits in pea plants

Based on his findings, Mendel stated:

1. The law of segregation – when the parent forms sex cells, the parent gene pairs separate, one gene from each pair goes to each sex cell

Parent genotype: Aa

Sex cells: A a

And..

2. The law of independent assortment – each gene pair for a trait is inherited independently of the gene pairs for all other traits

Though he didn’t know it…

• Mendel opened the door to the ability to predict traits in organisms

• This would eventually lead to modern day genetic research, including possible cures for certain diseases, cloning, and most importantly, the glow in the dark mouse…

And…

• The latest trend in household pets…

Glow in the dark cat?