week of 9/29-10/3

Monday= TEST

Tuesday=Today we analyzed the molecular basis of heredity which includes gene regulation. 

A few bullets include:

• All (with a few exceptions) of an organism's cells have the same DNA but differ based on the expression of genes.
• Differentiation of cells in multicellular organisms
• Cells responding to their environment by producing different types and amounts of protein.
• Advantages (injury repair) and disadvantages (cancer) of the overproduction, underproduction or production of proteins at the incorrect times.

Wednesday-Thursday= We learned to interpret and predict patterns of inheritance which also includes dominant, recessive, and intermediate traits. Also multiple alleles, polygenic traits, sex linked traits, independent assortment, test cross, pedigree, and Punnett squares were discussed in class.

We learned alot of information during the course of these two days. A summary is as follows: 

• We identified and determined genotypes and phenotypes. Phenotypes are the result of both the environment and the genotype.
• We also discussed Mendel's experiments and laws.
• Interpreted karyotypes and looked for gender and chromosomal abnormalities.
• Understanding that dominant traits mask recessive alleles.
• There are a variety of intermediate patterns of inheritance, including codominance and incomplete dominance. Incomplete dominance (partial dominance) results in the blending of traits and Co-dominant alleles result in the expression of both traits. We also learned how to solve and interpret co-dominant crosses involving multiple alleles.
• Autosomal inheritance patterns and characteristics of sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and Huntington's disease.
• Parentage is possible by determining the parents and offsprings blood type. There are A, B, AB, and O blood types which result from alleles Ia, Ib, and i.
• Recognizing that some traits are controlled by more than one pair of genes, which is identified by the presence of a wide range of phenotypes.
• An understanding of human sex chromosomes and crosses involving sex linked traits. Males are more likely to express a sex linked trait because they only have one X chromosome that is infected and they don't have another X chromosome to mask this allele.
• The process of meiosis leads to independent assortment and ultimately to a greater genetic diversity. Genes being on separate chromosomes is an important result of meiosis.
• Given certain phenotypes suggest an appropriate test cross to determine the genotype of an organism. and identify the genotypes of individuals from a given pedigree.
• Finally we learned about solving and interpreting problems featuring monohybrid crosses, (Parental, F1, F2 generations) and about determining parental genotypes based on offspring ratios. 

Friday= Today we reviewed what we learned last Friday, with the addition of a few things.

We learned about the uses of DNA fingerprinting, applications of transgenic organisms in agriculture and industry including pharmaceutical applications such as the production of human insulin, and that ethical issues and implications of genomics and biotechnology such as stem cell research and genetically modified organisms.