Description
Why are you the way you are? From the color of your hair down to the shape of tiny proteins in your cells, your traits are determined by genes given by your parents – your dad contributed one-half of your genes and your mom the other half. However, the way you are is more than half dad and half mom. In each of your cells, their genes interact in different ways to produce your unique traits. All of this can be explained through genetics and heredity.
Genetics and heredity are not subjects that can only be understood by scientists. In the mid-1800’s, a monk (who twice failed the test to become a high school teacher), became the “father of modern genetics” by studying peas in his garden at the monastery. However, his work was not well recognized until after his death 30 years later. Today, Gregor Mendel’s story fills pages of biology textbooks all over the world.
While knowledge of genetics and heredity have come a long way since Mendel’s discoveries, his work shows science is not just about scientists in labs with expensive equipment. It is about curiosity and problem solving. In his experiment, Mendel’s techniques (and curiosity) are replicated to understand the genetics of a different organism — glowing zebra fish.
Discussion Question
Answer these questions in complete sentences with the proper grammar and syntax.
What are some practical applications for understanding genetics?
Why are offspring similar to their parents yet someone different from each parent?
What is the difference between a gamete and a zygote?
