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Notes_ Unit 4

DNA is a molecule that carries genetic instructions for life, composed of two strands forming a double helix with bases A, T, C, and G that create a genetic code. It plays a crucial role in inheritance and evolution, with genes passed from parents to offspring and variations leading to evolutionary changes. Gregor Mendel's work established foundational genetics principles, including dominant and recessive traits, while reproduction can occur asexually or sexually, influencing genetic diversity and identity.

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Notes_ Unit 4

DNA is a molecule that carries genetic instructions for life, composed of two strands forming a double helix with bases A, T, C, and G that create a genetic code. It plays a crucial role in inheritance and evolution, with genes passed from parents to offspring and variations leading to evolutionary changes. Gregor Mendel's work established foundational genetics principles, including dominant and recessive traits, while reproduction can occur asexually or sexually, influencing genetic diversity and identity.

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CHANDANI SHARMA
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© © All Rights Reserved
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🌿 Unit 4: Consequences

What is DNA?

●​ DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is a molecule that carries the genetic


instructions for life.​

●​ It is made up of two strands twisted into a double helix.​

●​ DNA has bases: A (adenine), T (thymine), C (cytosine), and G (guanine).​

●​ The order of these bases forms a genetic code.​

How is DNA the Basis for Inheritance and Evolution?

●​ DNA carries genes, which are instructions for making proteins.​

●​ These genes are passed from parents to offspring (inheritance).​

●​ Variation in DNA can lead to changes in traits, which over time can cause
evolution.​

●​ Evolution is the process by which species change over generations through


natural selection.​

Who was Gregor Mendel and What Did He Do?

●​ Gregor Mendel is the Father of Genetics.​

●​ He studied pea plants and showed that traits are inherited in predictable
patterns.​

●​ Mendel discovered:​

○​ Dominant and recessive traits.​

○​ That traits are inherited in units (now called genes).​

○​ His famous laws:​


■​ Law of Segregation: Alleles separate during reproduction.​

■​ Law of Independent Assortment: Traits are inherited


independently.​

What are Alleles?

●​ Alleles are different versions of the same gene.​

○​ Example: The gene for eye colour has different alleles for brown or blue
eyes.​

●​ You inherit one allele from each parent.​

What is Asexual Reproduction?

●​ Asexual reproduction: One parent produces offspring without fertilization.​

●​ Offspring are clones (genetically identical to the parent).​

●​ Example: Bacteria reproduce by binary fission (splitting into two).​

What is Sexual Reproduction?

●​ Sexual reproduction: Two parents combine their DNA to produce genetically


unique offspring.​

●​ Involves fertilization: sperm + egg = zygote.​

●​ Provides variation, important for evolution.​

How Do Single-Celled Organisms Reproduce?

●​ Mostly by asexual reproduction (binary fission).​

●​ Some can also exchange DNA (e.g., bacteria in a process called


conjugation).​

What is Mitosis?

●​ Mitosis is cell division that produces two identical cells.​

●​ Used for:​

○​ Growth.​

○​ Repair.​

○​ Asexual reproduction.​

How Do Multicellular Organisms Reproduce?


Method Process
Asexual Reproduction By mitosis (e.g., plants like strawberries)
Sexual Reproduction By meiosis (makes gametes), then fertilization creates
zygote

Different Life Cycles

●​ Some organisms have alternating generations (e.g., plants have both sexual
and asexual stages).​

●​ Animals like humans have one main life cycle with growth, reproduction, and
death.​

What Does the Structure of DNA Reveal About Its Function?

●​ The sequence of bases (A, T, C, G) forms a code.​

●​ This code is read in triplets (3 bases = 1 amino acid).​

●​ The double-helix structure protects the genetic code and allows replication.​
●​ DNA’s shape allows it to unzip and copy itself during cell division.​

How Does the Genetic Code Produce Physical Characteristics?

●​ The genetic code tells cells which proteins to make.​

●​ Proteins control traits like hair colour, height, and eye colour.​

●​ Example: The gene for melanin makes the protein that gives skin its colour.​

To What Extent Does the Genetic Code Determine Identity?

●​ Genetics provides the blueprint for:​

○​ Physical traits (e.g., height, eye colour).​

○​ Some diseases and predispositions.​

●​ Environment also plays a role:​

○​ Diet, lifestyle, learning, and experiences shape personality, talents, and


health.​

●​ So, DNA influences identity but does not fully determine it.

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