PowerPoint Presentation
CHROMOSOMES
Found in nucleus
Consists of two chromatids that are joined at the centromere
Contain inheritable genetic material that is passed down from
parents to progeny
GENES
Gene : a section of DNA
Gene : Each gene controls the synthesis of a protein
Each chromosome consists of a series of genes
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic Acid
Formed from basic units that are called nucleotides
Each nucleotide consists of :
Deoxyribose sugar
Organic nitrogen base
Phosphate Group
Application of Genetic Knowledge in Life
Agriculture, Medicine
The contribution of genetic research is carried out through:
Selective Breeding
Genetic engineering
DNA fingerprinting
A discovery in the field of genetics can be used for determining
the identity of an individual
Usage:
Solve criminal case
Determining / identifying the parents of a child
Detection of diseases such as cancer, viral or genetic
diseases
Blood, hair, skin, semen obtained from the scene of a crime
DNA is extracted from these samples
A specific enzyme acts on the DNA molecule that is long breaking
it up into smaller fragments
The DNA fragments of different sizes are separated and arranged
according to size
An alkali is added and the double-stranded DNA is separated into
single strands. The single strand is then transferred to a
nylon
membrane
Radioactive matter is added to the single strand. A banding
pattern
appears
An X-ray film is produced and this shows the positions of the
dark bands which compared with the part DNA that was
Human Genome Project
Benefits:
Genes that cause inherited disease can be identified
Genetic diseases can be studied
Diseases that are caused by the interaction of genes with the
environment can be studied
The actual treatment for a disease can be identified
Genetic engineering
Scientific manipulation of genes & chromosomes in living
cells of an organism
Allows good gene to be introduced into parental cells &
genes for undesirable traits can be remove
Genetically Modified Food
AdvantagesDisadvantagesSolving the problem of shortage of food
Human health might be affectedProduction of crops & livestock
that are more nutritiousPossibility of biodiversity being
affectedProduction of crops that do not require the use of
pesticidesContent of human DNA can be affectedProduction of edible
vaccine that can result in the reduction of infectious
diseasesTechnology can be misused by developed countries through
the production of huge quantities of GMF so that these developed
countries can have economic control over the less developed
countriesProduction of foods that are tastier & more easily
digestedGMF technology is seemingly going against nature
Selective Breeding
Involves producing new generations of crops & livestock that
possess desirable characteristics through cross breeding of high
quality parents
Benefits:
A shorter maturity time
Improve quality & quantity
Hybrids are better adapted to local climate
Resistance of hybrids to the spread of diseases
Qualities of the psifera variety:
Desirable:
high oil content
ndesirable:
shell-less fruit
fruit drops off before maturity
seeds are difficult to germinate
Qualities of the dura variety:
Desirable:
does not have the weaknesses of psifera
Undesirable:
low oil content
Crossing psifera with dura produces the tenera
Qualities of the hybrid tenera:
thin shell
high oil content
bears fruit much faster
larger fruits
palm tree is not too high
fruit does not drop before maturity
