Introduction: Genetics

The Big Picture

All Normal CellsContain 46 chromosomes or 23 pair.

The Nucleus Contains the genetic information of the cell

Here are Chromosomes

23 pair or a total of 46 chromosomes.

Sperm and Egg are Sex Cells

These specialized cells contain only 23 chromosomes. This is an egg.

SpermMales produce sperm cells.

EggWomen produce eggs.

Fusion (fertilization)

Sperm fertilizes egg to produce a fertilized zygote with full compliment of 46 chromosomes.

                                         

Human Embryo A fertilized human embryo. Life begins!

Back To Chromosomes

Remember, the chromosomes exist inside the nucleus.

Chromosomes Contain

DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid

Genes Located:Along the DNAHumans have 30-40 thousand genes

Genes are information which code for proteins

Tons of InformationEach cell contains enough info to fill a 1,000 volume library!

Proteins100,000 kindsMake up 20% of our mass

Made up of amino acids

Function of ProteinsStructural support for

cells, tissues,organsMovement: muscleTransport:

hemoglobinDefense:antibodiesCatalyst: enzymes