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 1 st cross, the F1 generation would show certain traits while some traits seemed to be hidden After the 2 nd cross, certain traits would reappear in the F2 generation

X P 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: Aa

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?