Lec # 01 Introductory Genetics

B.S-Agriculture

Genetics

 Cell is the smallest, basic unit of life in charge of all the processes of life. The cell was first discovered
by Robert Hooke in 1665. Cells are of different shapes and sizes. Different shapes and sizes are due to
different functions performed by different cells. The smallest cell is Mycoplasma (genus of bacteria).
It is about 10 micrometers in size. The largest cells is an egg cell of ostrich, it is about 15cm to 18 cm
long and wide. The human body consists of some 37.2 trillion cells. The largest cell in the human
body is female ovum. Smallest cell in the human body is male gametes, that is, sperm.

Cell theory was proposed by a German botanist, Matthias Schleiden and English zoologist, Theodor
Schwann in the year 1839.
The cell theory states

1) Cells are the building blocks of living organisms.

2) All living organisms are composed of cells and a cell is the basic structural and functional
unit
3) All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

Difference Between Plant cell and Animal cell.

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Nucleus is the large, membrane-bounded organelle that contains the genetic material in the form of
multiple linear DNA molecules organized into structures called chromosomes. Genes are segments of
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that contain the code for a specific protein that functions in one or more
types of cells in the body. Chromosomes are structures within cells that contain a person's genes.

Genetics is the branch of biology that deals with heredity and variation or it is a branch of
biology that encompasses the study of the mechanism of transmission of characters from parents to
offspring. The word "genetics" is derived from the Greek word "genesis" meaning "to grow" or "to
become". This word is coined by Bateson in 1906.
Genetic variation is the root of the natural diversity that we observe among members of the
same species as well as among different species. Genetics is centered on the study of genes. A gene is
classically defined as a unit of heredity. At the molecular level, a gene is a segment of DNA that has
the information to produce a functional product. The functional product of most genes is a
polypeptide (a linear sequence of amino acids that folds into units that constitute proteins). In
addition, genes are commonly described according to the way they affect traits, which are the
characteristics of an organism. In humans, for example, we speak of traits such as eye color, hair
texture, and height. As an organism grows and develops, its collection of genes provides a blueprint
that determines its characteristics.
Heredity / Inheritance
Heredity is the passing on of traits from parents to their offspring e.g. flower color, plant height.
Classical genetics
It is also known as Mendelian genetics. Therefore, it is the oldest discipline of genetics. Classical
genetics considered only the visible results of the breeding experiments. It did not analyze the

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molecules which are responsible for inheritance. Hence, classical genetics suggested that heredity is
particulate and the inheritance patterns of many traits can be explained through simple rules and
ratios.
Modern genetics
Modern genetics is the expanded concepts of Mendelian genetics. It includes genotype analysis, where
it looks at the genetic concepts beyond the inheritance. Moreover, it studies the function and behavior
of nucleic acids and genes.

Classical VS Modern Genetics

Classical Genetics Modern Genetics

Analysis of Nucleic Not done in classical genetics Done in modern genetics

Acids
Genotype Analysis Only phenotypes were considered Both phenotypes and genotypes are
considered
Gene Linkages Not Explained Explains in modern genetics

Complexity Classical genetics is not Modern genetics is a complex concept

complicated as modern genetics
Polygenic Traits Not described in classical genetics Described in modern genetics

Some basic Definitions

Gene : it is part of DNA, responsible for the production of functional protein.

Allele : Alternate form of gene is known as allele.

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Dominant: if a gene express itself in heterozygous condition.

Recessive: if a gene suppresses itself in heterozygous condition.

Heredity = The transmission of characteristics to offspring

Molecular Genetics = Study of the biochemistry of heredity
Chromosome = A length of nucleic acid that carries genes
Locus = The physical location of a gene on a chromosome
Genome = The complete set of genes for a cell or organism
Genotype = The genes an organism carries
Phenotype = The traits an organism exhibits
Gene Expression = The process by which genetic information flows from genotype (DNA base
sequences) to phenotype (traits)
Zygosity = The degree of similarity of alleles in an organisam
Homozygous= If both alleles of a diploid organism are the same, the organism is homozygous at that
locus.
Heterozygous= If both alleles of a diploid organism are different, the organism is heterozygous at
that locus.
Hemizygous = A chromosome in a diploid organism is hemizygous when only one copy is present
for a gene.
Monohybrid Cross: A cross between two individuals in the same species in which one genetic trait
is documented.
Dihybrid Cross: A cross between two individuals in the same species in which two genetic traits are
documented.

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