1. GENETICS (Geneology) the study of “genes” Inheritable traits that
are passed on from
generation to
generation

2. DNA vs. RNA DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid
Genetic code (makes up chromosomes in the nucleus
RNA
Ribonucleic acid
Copies pieces of DNA to give the cell instructions about which proteins to make

3. What are some examples of “inherited traits”?
eye color
nose shape
ears
hair color
height
skin color
disease *
vision

4. Where are genes found? chromosomes cell genes DNA nucleus
(deoxyribonucleic acid)

5. Structure of DNA “double helix” nitrogen bases phosphate and sugar
A and T are always linked T C A G
G and C are always linked
combinations of base pairs create genetic traits
like a code (codon) A G
brown eyes
A  adenine
T  thymine (DNA only)
C  cytosine
G  guanine
U  uracil (RNA only)

6. How does DNA translate into the genetic traits we express?
The DNA strands separate temporarily
RNA nucleotides in the cytoplasm take their place along the DNA nucleotides (**Note  in RNA, thymine (T) is replaced with a different base called uracil (U).)
RNA nucleotides in groups of three are called codons.
Each codon will produce one of twenty different amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
Groups of amino acids will develop into the inheritable traits we recognize, such as eye color.