Heredity and Genetic Principles

What this topic covers

Determine heritable and non-heritable characters with examples. Illustrate simple DNA structure. Illustrate segregation of genes at meiosis and recombination of genes at fertilization to account for the process of transmission of characters from parents to offspring. Deduce that segregation of genes occurs during gamete formation and recombination of genes at fertilization is random in nature. Analyze data on cross-breeding experiments. Apply the principles of heredity in the production of new varieties of crops and livestock through cross-breeding. Deduce advantages and disadvantages of out-breeding and in-breeding. Analyze elementarily the contentious issues of genetically modified organisms (GMO) and gene therapy and biosafety. Apply the knowledge of heredity in marriage counseling with particular reference to blood grouping, sickle-cell anaemia, and the Rhesus factors. Describe the significance of using recombinant DNA materials in the production of important medical products such as insulin, interferon, and enzymes. Identify characters that are sex-linked (e.g., baldness, haemophilia, colour blindness).