Lecture - Mendelian genetics

We finished covering the last part of the 'cells and cell division' chapter (ch. 2): Gametogenesis

We started talking about Mendelian genetics (chapter 3) with  an overview of Mendel's classic experiments, and how they lead him to postulate one of the principles that has become one of the pillars of genetics:

• Principle of Segregation

Quiz # 1 Qs & As

1. What are the properties of genes?

They can mutate, be turned on and off, and recombine

2. Mention three of the approaches to studying genetics (fields of study within genetics)

Transmission genetics, cytogenetics, molecular genetics, population genetics

3. What is recombinant DNA technology?

Using restriction enzymes to isolate fragments of DNA and recombine them with other fragments (usually plasmids to transform bacteria sand clone the DNA fragment) to be studied through a variety of techniques, or used in industry applications

4. What are the stages of the cell cycle?

Interphase, mitosis, cytokinesis

5. Mention one of the principles Mendel came up with after intensively studying his pea plants

Principles of segregation and independent assortment

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Lab 01 - Human Genetics

We explained how to do simple pedigree analyses, based on family information for four traits inherited in a Mendelian fashion (independent assortment and complete dominance of one of the alleles): Hitchhiker's thumb, free/attached earlobe, folding hands, and tongue rolling.

Then, following the lab guide we simulated gametogenesis and generation of offspring according with the students' genotypes for each one of those four traits.  We compared the phenotypic outcomes with the expected proportions by having each couple of students generate 10 zygotes with the simulated gametes (on paper).  Finally, students drew their pedigrees using their own family information and also the data generated for their hypothetical offspring.

Some students even named their "babies".  No extra credit for that!

Next lab: Epistasis and hypothesis testing (no Mendelian genetics).

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Lecture - Cells and cell division

We covered most of the material on chapter 2 of the textbook.  We talked about cell organelles and their function, the cell cycle, and the processes of mitosis and meiosis.  We'll pick up with gametogenesis and will start talking about mendelian genetics (chapter 3) tomorrow before the lab sessions.

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