Learning Objectives
After successfully completing this section, the student will be able to:
- Explain how DNA encodes genetic information and the role of messenger RNA and transfer RNA.
- Explain how DNA directs protein synthesis and the roles of DNA and proteins in regulating cell function.
- Define transcription and translation.
- Define the following terms:
> Chromosome
> Gene
> Gene product
> Allele
> Genotype
> Phenotype
> Mitosis
> Meiosis
- Define and explain the significance of "crossing over" and "random assortment" during meiosis.
- Explain how the number of chromosomes changes during male and female gametogenesis and fertilization.
- Explain the biological basis of Down's Syndrome.
- Define the following terms:
- Homozygous
- Heterozygous
- Dominant
- Recessive
- Co-dominance
- Sex-linked inheritance
- Demonstrate how to predict the possible genotypes that could occur in an offspring, provided one knows the genotype of the two parents.
- Explain what a mutation is and give examples of how it might occur.
- Explain the contribution of mutations to evolution.
- Explain and give examples of natural selection.
