Table of contents

1. Introduction to Genetics51m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
8. DNA Replication1h 10m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
10. Transcription1h 0m
11. Translation58m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
14. Genetic Control of Development44m
15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
16. Transposable Elements47m
17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

1. Introduction to Genetics

Fundamentals of Genetics

Genetics

1. Introduction to Genetics

Fundamentals of Genetics

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2:16 minutes

Problem 10m

Textbook Question

Define each of the following terms:
Natural selection

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Natural selection is a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology, first proposed by Charles Darwin, which explains how traits that provide a survival or reproductive advantage become more common in a population over generations.

It operates on the principle of variation, where individuals in a population exhibit differences in traits, such as size, color, or behavior.

These variations are often heritable, meaning they can be passed from one generation to the next through genetic inheritance.

Individuals with traits that enhance their ability to survive and reproduce in a given environment are more likely to pass on their genes to the next generation, a process known as differential reproductive success.

Over time, this leads to the adaptation of populations to their environments, as advantageous traits become more prevalent while less advantageous traits diminish.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Natural Selection

Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution, proposed by Charles Darwin. It describes the process by which individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to the next generation. Over time, this leads to the adaptation of species to their environments, as beneficial traits become more common within a population.

Variation

Variation refers to the differences in traits among individuals within a population. These differences can be due to genetic mutations, environmental factors, or a combination of both. Variation is crucial for natural selection, as it provides the raw material upon which selective pressures act, allowing certain traits to be favored over others.

Survival of the Fittest

The phrase 'survival of the fittest' encapsulates the idea that individuals best adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. 'Fittest' does not necessarily mean the strongest; it refers to the best-suited individuals for a specific environment. This concept emphasizes the role of adaptation in the evolutionary process, highlighting how certain traits enhance an organism's chances of survival.

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