This aesthetic, in-depth, neatly typed document summarises 3.3 of strand 3 of the IEB grade 12 mind action series textbook: Genetics and genetic engineering. It includes the full 3.3 Genetic engineering syllabus as well as additional class notes, own research notes and all relevant diagrams.
• Each DNA molecule is made up of a series of genes
• Gene: Section of DNA (series of nucleotides/bases) that controls hereditary characteristics (Basic
unit of heredity)
• Each chromosome has between several hundred and several thousand genes (total in humans is
between 20 000 and 25 000)
• Almost all somatic cells have exact copy of all the genes in an organism
• 2 of each chromosome (maternal & paternal) therefore each cell has 2 of each kind of gene
(variations = alleles)
• Gene pool = set of all genes (genetic information) in a population of sexually reproducing
organisms
• Large gene pool = high genetic diversity (increased chances of survival)
• High proportion of genes are non-coding genes (only 2% of DNA codes for protein: Responsible
for genetic traits)
• Hox genes = Master control genes determine how the body develops from single zygote
• Control of genes = epigenetics
,• Human Epigenome Project documents what switches genes on and off
• Eugenics: Gene tampering/manipulation
Alleles:
• Responsible for controlling different versions of a trait/characteristic found in the same locus
(position) on homologous chromosomes eg. eye colour
• Represented by letters:
- Capital letter = dominant allele (Eg. B)
- Lower case letter = recessive allele (EG. b)
• Alleles passed from parents to offspring by chromosomes in gametes made by meiosis in sex
organs
• Normal somatic cells are diploid (2n): Have a pair of homologous chromosomes & 2 alleles which
may be the same or different
• Sex cells (gametes) are haploid (n): Have 1 pair of homologous chromosomes & 1 of each pair of
alleles
, • During fertilisation, male & female gametes with alleles fuse to form diploid zygote
• Zygote divides by mitosis to form new organism with the same set of chromosomes and alleles
Genotypes & phenotypes:
• Genotype: Made up of all genes an organism carries on its chromosomes
• Phenotype: Physical appearance of an organism: Partly programmed by genes, and shaped by
external factors (exercise, diet, environment)
Homozygous & heterozygous:
• Homozygous: Pair of alleles at same locus are the same eg BB
• Heterozygous: Pair of alleles at same locus are different eg Bb (hybrid)
Dominant & Recessive alleles:
In heterozygous pairing, one allele of a pair may be:
• Dominant: Trait is expressed in offspring
• Recessive: Trait is suppressed in presence of dominant allele & not in offspring
• Homozygous dominant (BB)
• Homozygous recessive (Bb)
• Heterozygous
Genotype: Phenotype:
- BB (Homozygous dominant). - Black coat
- Bb (Heterozygous). - Black coat
- bb (Homozygous recessive) - White coat
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller Lindyprinsloo. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $4.63. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.