Genetic Processes

Origins Of Diversity

• Genetic material is what determines the difference between you, your siblings, friends, pets, plants, and everything living.

• Traits are characteristics of an organism. These are transferred from generation to generation.

• Sexually reproducing species get traits from both parents or a combination.

Genetic Material

• Unknown until the mid 1900s. Theorized to have connection to proteins.

• Through experiments with bacteria and viruses they determined Genetic Material was made of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)

• DNA is organized into Genes that code for specific traits and functions.

Packing of DNA

• DNA is a double helix (2 strands).

• Clumps of DNA fibres are called Chromatin

• In preparation to divide, chromatin condense to form Chromosomes

• Every animal as a different # of Chromosomes. Humans have 46, dogs have 78

Packing of DNA

• DNA is coiled around proteins called Histones.

• A group of these Histones is called a Nucleosome.

• This prevents the DNA from getting tangled.

DNA Structure

• DNA spiral (helix) discovered using X-ray crystallography research of Dr. Rosalind Franklin

DNA Structure

• The work of Dr. Franklin was used by James Watson and Francis Crick.

• These 2 men were “credited” with discovering the structure until recently.

• Go girl.

The Components of DNA

• DNA is a repeating structure with the same basic make up.

The Components of DNA

Cell Cycle

• Read pg. 96-102• #1-3, 5-10, 11,13,15