Genetics for Chodes
Genetics Paper Each human in the world is created both separate and unique. Although members of a family may possess common traits, each member has their own individuality. Genetics allows for a creation of a unique individual. Chromosomes, meiosis, and fertilization are essential parts of genetics vital to the development of a distinct organism. The effect of each allows for a world in which no human is equal. To begin, chromosomes in genetics plays a key role in individuality. In genetics, organized DNA wrapped and compacted in a molecule is a chromosome. There are twenty-two homologous pairs of chromosomes and one pair of homologous sex chromosomes. Homologous chromosomes have the same genes at the same loci (location), but may contain different alleles. Alleles are the specific characteristics of the gene. These alleles can be dominant or recessive. A dominant allele has a different phenotype than a recessive allele. Phenotypes are simply the observable traits seen in a living organism. An example of phenotype is a dominant allele for hair color is Brown, while the recessive allele for hair color is Blonde. They both are for the same gene, but are different outcomes of the gene. A dominant allele overrides a recessive allele. In order to have a recessive phenotype, two recessive alleles need to be given to the offspring. Figure 1 represents a pair of homologous chromosomes. Although the alleles are located at the same location on each chromosome, each has a different allele. Different alleles allow for a separate organism to be created. Different alleles on chromosomes alters the genotype and phenotype of each individual of a family. In addition to chromosomes, meiosis also plays a key role in the development of a diverse individual. Meiosis is a single cell dividing into four genetically unique reproductive cells. Meiosis occurs in the reproductive structures of all living organisms including both male and female organisms. The process begins with a