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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1:14 minutes

Problem 7

Textbook Question

Define natural selection, and describe how natural selection operates as a mechanism of evolutionary change.

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Define natural selection: Natural selection is the process by which individuals with traits that are better suited to their environment have a higher chance of surviving and reproducing. These advantageous traits are then passed on to the next generation, leading to changes in the population over time.

Explain the variation in traits: Natural selection requires genetic variation within a population. This variation arises from mutations, genetic recombination during meiosis, and other sources of genetic diversity.

Describe differential survival and reproduction: Individuals with traits that provide a survival or reproductive advantage are more likely to survive and reproduce. This is often referred to as 'survival of the fittest,' where 'fitness' refers to reproductive success.

Explain inheritance of traits: The advantageous traits that improve survival and reproduction are heritable, meaning they can be passed on to offspring. Over generations, these traits become more common in the population.

Discuss the cumulative effect: Over time, natural selection can lead to significant evolutionary changes, such as the adaptation of a species to its environment or the emergence of new species. This process is a key mechanism of evolution.

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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.

Variation and Heritability

For natural selection to occur, there must be variation among individuals in a population, and these variations must be heritable. This means that traits can be passed from parents to offspring. Variations can arise from mutations, genetic recombination, and other processes, providing the raw material for natural selection to act upon.

Survival of the Fittest

The phrase 'survival of the fittest' encapsulates the idea that individuals best suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. 'Fittest' refers not just to physical strength but to overall adaptability, including behaviors and reproductive success. This concept emphasizes the dynamic nature of populations as they respond to environmental pressures.

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Which of the following terms describes the process of breeding organisms for certain phenotypes?

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All life shares DNA as the hereditary material. From an evolutionary perspective, why do you think this is the case?

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Textbook Question

What are the four processes of evolution? Briefly describe each process.

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Textbook Question

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Textbook Question

Briefly describe the contribution each of the following people made to the development of genetics or genetic analysis.

Edmund B. Wilson

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Textbook Question

Briefly describe the contribution each of the following people made to the development of genetics or genetic analysis.

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