The purpose of this chapter is to provide a brief background in molecular and Mendelian genetics necessary for an understanding of the evolutionary process. As such, the emphasis on molecular genetics is on the concept of information transmission (cell to cell, parent to child. and less on the actual biochemistry. Mendelian genetics is approached in a similar fashion, emphasizing basic principles of inheritance. While examples are drawn from familiar discrete traits, attention is also given to the genetics of complex traits. Mutations are discussed in terms of “errors” in information transmission. The “nature-nurture” debate is introduced here. An optional primer on cell biology is provided at the end of the chapter, providing greater information if desired on cell structure, mitosis, and meiosis.
1. You should understand the basis of molecular genetics including the properties and functions of DNA and RNA, chromosomes, and genes. You should understand the processes of cell replication and division through mitosis and meiosis. |
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2. You should understand the mechanisms of genetic inheritance described by Mendelian genetics, including definitions for alleles, genotypes, and phenotypes. You should be able to explain how dominant, recessive, and codominant alleles affect phenotype, and predict probable distributions of alleles in offspring when given the parental genotypes. |
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3. You should know the definition of mutation, the mechanisms by which it occurs, and the role it plays in the evolutionary process. |
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4. You should be able to describe the debate over the relationship between genetics and behavior, and understand the complex interplay of genetic, environmental and behavioral variation. |