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

History of Genetics

Genetics

1. Introduction to Genetics

History of Genetics

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is most widely considered to have been the first genetic material on Earth?

DNA

Proteins

Polysaccharides

RNA

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the question is asking about the identity of the first genetic material on Earth, which is a fundamental concept in molecular evolution and the origin of life.

Recall that genetic material is defined as the molecule capable of storing and transmitting genetic information necessary for inheritance and biological function.

Consider the properties of each option: DNA is stable and stores genetic information in modern organisms; proteins perform catalytic functions but do not store genetic information; polysaccharides are structural or energy storage molecules, not genetic material.

Recognize that RNA has the unique ability to both store genetic information and catalyze chemical reactions (ribozymes), supporting the RNA world hypothesis as the earliest genetic system.

Conclude that RNA is most widely considered the first genetic material because it can carry information and catalyze its own replication, bridging the gap between genetic storage and enzymatic function.