Genetics and Evolution: Molecular Basis of Inheritance

• Genetic Material and DNA: DNA is the molecule of inheritance. It is a double helix composed of nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of a sugar molecule, a phosphate molecule, and a nitrogenous base. The sequence of bases along the DNA molecule encodes genetic information.

• DNA Replication: The process by which DNA makes an exact copy of itself before cell division.

• Gene Expression: The process by which the information encoded in a gene is used to direct the synthesis of a protein.

• Transcription: The process by which the information encoded in DNA is copied into a molecule of messenger RNA (mRNA).

• Translation: The process by which the information encoded in mRNA is used to direct the synthesis of a protein.

• Regulation of Gene Expression: The process by which cells control the expression of specific genes. This process ensures that cells produce the proteins they need when and where they need them.

• Mutations: Changes in the DNA sequence.

• Mendelian Laws: Describe how traits are passed from parents to offspring.

• Linkage and Recombination: Linkage is the tendency for genes located close together on a chromosome to be inherited together. Recombination is the process by which genetic material is exchanged between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, which can lead to new combinations of alleles.

• Population Genetics: The study of the genetic variation within populations of organisms.

• Natural Selection and Adaptations: Describes how organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.

• Origin of Species: Explains how new species arise from existing species over time through the process of evolution.

• Fossils and Evolutionary History: provide direct evidence of past life and helps to reconstruct the evolutionary history of species

• Comparative Anatomy, Homology, and Analogous Structures: Comparative anatomy studies the similarities and differences in the anatomy of different organisms. Homologous structures have similar structures but may have different functions. Analogous structures have different structures but similar functions.

• Fossils Records and Embryology: Fossils provide direct evidence of past life and help reconstruct evolutionary history. Embryology compares the development of embryos of different organisms and provides insights into evolutionary relationships.