Understanding the Basics of Genetics

Understanding the Basics of Genetics

Learning Objectives

• Explain the structure and sequence of DNA
• Understand the concept of genes and chromosomes
• Describe the concept of inheritance and its implications

What do you already know about genetics?

Structure and Sequence of DNA

• DNA is the molecule that carries genetic instructions
• It is composed of bases arranged in a specific sequence

Concept of Genes and Chromosomes

• Genes are long sequences of DNA that carry specific genetic information
• Chromosomes are structures within cells that contain a person's genes

Inheritance and Its Implications

• Inheritance is the process by which genes and characteristics are passed from parents to offspring
• Different species have diverse chromosome complements
• Humans have 46 chromosomes

Definition List

• DNA: The molecule that carries genetic instructions, made up of bases arranged in a specific sequence
• Genes: Long sequences of DNA that carry specific genetic information
• Chromosomes: Structures within cells that contain a person's genes
• Inheritance: The process by which genes and characteristics are passed from parents to offspring

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.