1. Intro to Genetics

2. 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

3. What is Selection? Mating animals to produce certain characteristics
Low Birthweight
Heavier Weaning Weight
Color
Horned or Polled
Temperment

4. What is Genetics?
All body cells contain “Blueprints” with instructions as to how an animal will look or act etc.

5. 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

6. What about genes? Genes make up the “blueprint.”
Genes tell the organism how to look and act.
Genes are composed of DNA.

7. 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

8. What is DNA? DNA stands for DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID
The DNA molecule is important in the “blueprint” of all living organisms.
Component of the gene that controls inheritance

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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
MUTATION!

12. Scientists are busy mapping
A chromosome map
For many plants, animals and for humans
Chromosomal location for genetic diseases
Cystic fibrosis
Sickle cell disease

13. 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.