Name: chromosomes, dna, and inherited traits
Uploaded: 2024-08-29T22:13:37.000Z
Duration: 1 min 20 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

Florida Department of Education

High School

Life Science

SC.912.L.15

SC.912.L.15.15

Genetic Material

Within the human body, a vast network of trillions of cells functions cohesively. Typically, each cell contains a nucleus with 46 chromosomes,&#160; a highly coiled structure made up of deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, the genetic material.
Genes are short sequences of DNA that act as fundamental units of heredity, encoding instructions for synthesizing proteins. These proteins are essential for numerous biological functions, including digesting food, cellular metabolism, fighting infections,&#160; building muscle mass, and growth.
Of the 46 chromosomes, 22 pairs are autosomes, which govern most of the individual&#39;s physical traits, such as eye color and blood type.
The 23rd pair, the sex chromosomes, determines the individual&#39;s sex. Females possess two X chromosomes, while males have one X and one Y chromosome.
Both males and females pass on half of their chromosomes&#8212;22 autosomes and one sex chromosome, either X or Y&#8212;to their offspring, ensuring the accurate and prompt transfer of genetic material to the next generation.

genetic material

Within the human body, a complex and detailed system of trillions of cells works in unison to sustain life. Each cell houses a nucleus, which contains 46 chromosomes divided into 23 pairs. Chromosomes are highly coiled structures made of the genetic material DNA. These chromosomes are essential carriers of genetic information, with half inherited from the mother through her egg and the other half from the father&#39;s sperm, combining to create the unique genetic makeup of an individual.
<ul>
	<li>&#8226; Among these chromosome pairs, 22 are autosomes. These autosomes are responsible for determining a wide array of the individual&#39;s physical and biochemical traits, such as height, skin color, and metabolic processes. For example, the gene responsible for producing the enzyme lactase, which helps digest lactose in dairy products, is located on an autosome.</li>
	<li>&#8226; The 23rd pair, differentiated as the sex chromosomes, plays a pivotal role in determining the biological sex of the individual. Females have two X chromosomes, while males possess one X and one Y chromosome, with the presence of the Y chromosome prompting the development of male physiological characteristics.</li>
</ul>
Chromosomes consist primarily of deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, a complex and dynamic molecule that serves as the repository of essential genetic information. This information is crucial for various biological functions and processes, guiding everything from cell division to the synthesis of enzymes and hormones. Embedded within the spiraling structure of DNA are genes, the fundamental units of heredity. These genes contain the blueprints for synthesizing proteins, the building blocks of life that catalyze chemical reactions, provide structural components to cells and tissues, and regulate gene expression and cellular activity.
Proteins synthesized as per genetic instructions perform numerous functions, highlighting the importance of genes within the broader network of the human genome. The genome includes all the genetic material of an organism, functioning as an integrated system. This system not only dictates biological processes but also interacts with environmental factors, enabling the organism to adapt and evolve. The complex interplay of genes within the genome illustrates a finely tuned coordination of life processes, ensuring that each cellular function is carried out precisely in response to both internal and external stimuli. This genetic coordination is fundamental to the survival, growth, and reproduction of an organism.

Within the human body, a vast network of trillions of cells functions cohesively. Typically, each cell contains a nucleus with 46 chromosomes,&#160; a ...

Education

JoVE Core

Introduction to Psychology

Unit 1

Biopsychology

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

chromosomes, dna, and inherited traits

Chromosomes, DNA, and inherited traits explain how genetic information is organized in the human body. Each cell contains a nucleus, and the nucleus holds 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. These chromosomes are tightly coiled structures made of DNA, which carries the instructions passed from parents to offspring.

An individual inherits one set of chromosomes from the mother through the egg and one set from the father through the sperm. This combination creates a unique genetic makeup. Of the 23 pairs, 22 are autosomes. Autosomes help determine many physical and biochemical traits, including height, skin color, and metabolic processes.

One example of an autosomal gene is the gene for lactase. Lactase is an enzyme that helps digest lactose in dairy products. The 23rd pair is made up of the sex chromosomes. Females usually have two X chromosomes, while males usually have one X and one Y chromosome. The Y chromosome triggers the development of male physiological characteristics.

DNA also contains genes, which are the basic units of heredity. Genes hold the instructions for making proteins. Proteins are the building blocks of life. They speed up chemical reactions, support cell and tissue structure, and help control gene expression and cell activity.

All of an organism’s genetic material is called the genome. The genome works as one system and helps direct cell division, enzyme production, and hormone production. It also interacts with environmental factors, which allows an organism to adapt and evolve. Together, genes and the genome coordinate vital life processes and help support survival, growth, and reproduction.

Chromosomes, DNA, and Inherited Traits

introduction to biological bases of psychology

introduction-to-biological-bases-of-psychology

Biological Factors Shaping Behavior and Mind

Biopsychology connects biology and psychology by showing how the body influences behavior and mental processes. It focuses on the nervous system, neurotransmitters, hormones, genetics, and evolutionary ideas. Together, these areas help explain why people think, feel, and act the way they do. The nervous system is the main foundation of biopsychology. It has two parts: the central nervous system, or CNS, and the peripheral nervous system, or PNS. The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord and...

nervous system

Nervous System: CNS, PNS, and Reflexes

The nervous system helps the body sense, move, and respond. It works through a network of nerve cells that carry signals around the body. This system has two main parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system, or CNS, includes the brain and spinal cord. The brain acts as the body’s control center. It processes sensory information and helps coordinate responses. The spinal cord serves as a major pathway for signals between the brain and the rest...

neurons as communicators of the brain

Neuron Parts and Signal Transmission

Neurons are the cells that carry information through the brain and nervous system. They use electrical and chemical signals to help control body functions, from heartbeat regulation to complex thinking. Their structure is built for fast, efficient communication. The cell body, or soma, is the neuron’s control center. It contains the nucleus, which holds the cell’s genetic material and helps maintain the neuron’s health and function. The cytoplasm around it contains organelles that make...

neuronal communication

How Neurons Send Signals

Neurons send signals through electrochemical communication that supports brain and nervous system function. A key part of this process is the action potential, a rapid electrical change that starts when the neuron’s internal charge rises above a threshold. That signal then travels along the axon to the axon terminal, where it is ready to pass to another neuron. The connection point between two neurons is called a synapse. Synapses can be electrical or chemical, and each type moves information...

neurotransmitters

Brain Chemicals That Shape Mood and Movement

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that help neurons communicate. They play a major role in nervous system function, as well as in mood, movement, sleep, and social behavior. Serotonin is made in the brain and intestines. It is linked to well-being and happiness, and it helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. When serotonin levels are out of balance in the brain or in peripheral sites, depression and sleep problems can occur. Dopamine is produced in several brain areas, including the...

cerebral hemispheres

How the Brain’s Two Halves Work

The brain’s two cerebral hemispheres work together to process information and control the body. The left and right hemispheres are linked by the corpus callosum, a large bundle of nerve fibers. This connection lets the two sides share sensory and motor information, with each hemisphere controlling the opposite side of the body. The hemispheres are also specialized for different tasks. This is called lateralization, which means certain functions are handled more strongly by one side than the...

lobes of the cerebrum

How Brain Lobes Shape Perception

The cerebral cortex is divided into two hemispheres, and each hemisphere has four lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital. Together, these lobes support the brain’s main cognitive and sensory jobs. They work as a team to help you think, feel, move, and respond to the world. The frontal lobe sits behind the forehead and acts as a control center for personality, intelligence, and voluntary muscle movement. It also contains the prefrontal cortex, a region that helps with planning,...

spinal cord

Spinal Cord Nerves and Reflexes

The spinal cord is a major part of the central nervous system. It runs from the base of the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It helps keep the body stable and carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord sits inside the bony spine for protection. It is divided into 30 segments that match the vertebrae. Each segment connects to a specific body region through paired spinal nerves. These spinal nerves are grouped by where they leave the...

lateralization

Brain Hemisphere Specialization

Brain hemisphere specialization divides mental tasks between the left and right sides of the brain. This split can improve neural efficiency and support more complex human abilities. Each hemisphere tends to handle the work it does best, which helps cognitive processing run more smoothly. The left hemisphere is especially strong in logic and language-related tasks. It supports analytical thinking, which means breaking a problem into parts and solving it step by step. This is important for...

human genetics

Genes, Behavior, and Mental Health

Human genetics explains how genes can influence behavior, emotions, and mental health. It also shows how a person’s genetic code can shape physical traits and the risk of disease. Each individual carries a unique set of genes, so the effects can be subtle or more noticeable. Genes help direct how the brain, hormones, and cells work. These body systems are all shaped by genetic instructions, and they help produce differences in thoughts and behavior. Human genetics therefore links biology with...

Chromosomes, DNA, and inherited traits explain how genetic information is organized in the human body. Each cell contains a nucleus, and the nucleus holds 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. These chromosomes are tightly coiled structures made of DNA, which carries the instructions passed from parents to offspring. An individual inherits one set of chromosomes from the mother through the egg and one set from the father through the sperm. This combination creates a unique genetic makeup. Of...

genetic variation

How Alleles Shape Inherited Traits

Genetic variation helps explain why individuals in the same species can look and act differently. It comes from differences in DNA sequences. This diversity matters because it helps a species survive and adapt when the environment changes. Variation starts at fertilization, when an egg and sperm cell join. Each of these cells carries 23 chromosomes, so the fertilized egg can have up to 46 chromosomes. Chromosomes are long DNA strands that contain genes, which are the basic units of heredity. <br...

behavioral genetics and its designs

How Behavior Genetics Studies Inheritance

Behavior genetics studies how inherited genes influence human behavior. It looks at how genes passed from parents to offspring help shape behavioral traits and tendencies. The field also examines how inherited factors and environmental influences work together. Researchers use family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies to separate genetic and environmental effects. Family studies track traits within biological families to find possible genetic patterns. They have helped identify...

evolutionary psychology

Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior

Evolutionary psychology explains human behavior and mental processes through natural selection. It uses Darwin’s idea that traits can spread when they help survival and reproduction. In this view, some common behaviors may be adaptations that were useful to our ancestors. One clear example is fear of snakes. This fear is nearly universal, which suggests that early humans who avoided snakes were more likely to survive deadly encounters. Over many generations, that caution could be passed on and...

organization of the brain

Brain Regions and Their Key Functions

The brain is the main control center of the nervous system. It processes sensory input, makes decisions, and directs body actions. Its structure is divided into the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, and each part supports important functions. The hindbrain sits at the base of the brain. It helps regulate automatic life processes. The medulla oblongata controls involuntary functions such as heartbeat, breathing, and blood pressure. Nearby, the pons acts as a bridge between brain regions,...

neuroplasticity

How the Brain Rewires Itself

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change its structure and function in response to learning, experience, or injury. It allows neural circuits to reorganize over time. This flexibility supports lifelong development and adaptation. One part of this change begins when dendrites and axons grow. Dendrites receive signals, and axons send them. As they grow, the brain’s circuitry becomes more complex and can support more connections. Next, synaptogenesis occurs. Synaptogenesis is the...

brain imaging

Brain Scanning Techniques

Brain scanning techniques help scientists and doctors see the structure and activity of the human brain. These methods support the diagnosis, study, and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. The main techniques include computerized axial tomography, or CT, positron-emission tomography, or PET, magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI, and transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS. CT scans use X-ray technology to build detailed...

somatosensory, motor, and association cortex

somatosensory-motor-and-association-cortex

Brain Cortex Areas for Sensation and Movement

The brain cortex uses separate areas for sensation, movement, and higher thinking. The somatosensory cortex is in the parietal lobes. It helps the brain interpret touch, temperature, and proprioception, which is awareness of body position. The somatosensory cortex has an organized map of the body. Neurons at the top of this region mainly process signals from the lower body. Neurons at the bottom handle input from the upper body. This layout helps the brain locate sensory input with precision.

the endocrine system

Endocrine Glands and Hormone Signals

The endocrine system is a network of glands that send hormone signals through the body. Hormones are chemical messengers that help control many body functions. They enter the bloodstream and travel to cells with the right receptors, or target sites, so the signal can be received. Because of this, hormone effects are widespread, unlike the more localized effects of neurotransmitters. This signaling helps the body keep a stable internal environment, called homeostasis. Several major glands...

major hormones and their functions

Hormone Imbalances and Their Effects

Hormones are chemical messengers made by endocrine glands. They help control body functions and keep internal conditions stable. When hormone levels shift too far up or down, normal body processes can be disrupted. Several major hormones have clear roles in the body. Oxytocin is made in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. It supports social bonding, childbirth, and lactation. Low oxytocin can affect social interaction and stress response, and it may contribute to depression.

inheritance

Genes, Traits, and Mendel's Rules

Genes, traits, and Mendel's rules explain how characteristics pass from parents to offspring. Gregor Mendel's pea plant experiments changed how scientists understand heredity. His work showed that traits are controlled by discrete units inside organisms called genes. Genes usually come in pairs. One gene is inherited from each parent, and together they make a person's genotype. Genotype is the genetic blueprint for potential traits. Examples include blood type, eye color, and inherited...

gene-environment interactions

How Environment Shapes Gene Expression

Environmental factors can change how genes are expressed. Gene expression is a dynamic process, and traits can differ even in people with the same DNA. Radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress all help shape the final outcome. The reaction range helps explain this process. It means genes set a possible range for a trait, while the environment helps decide where a person falls within that range. For example, genetics may allow a height range from 5'5" to 6'1", but nutrition,...

heritability

Heritability and the Environment

Heritability describes how genetic differences contribute to trait variation in a population. It is a statistical measure, so it shows how much of the spread in a trait can be linked to genes across a group. It does not tell you how “genetic” a trait is in an individual person. Heritability is usually expressed as a percentage. That percentage can change depending on which population is studied and what environmental conditions are present. This means heritability is context-dependent, not...

natural selection and adaptation

Adaptation in Changing Environments

Natural selection explains how organisms become better suited to their environments over time. It favors individuals with traits that improve survival and reproduction. Adaptation is the result. It includes genetic changes that help an organism function in specific conditions, such as extreme cold or thinner air at high altitudes. Adaptation is not only physical. Psychological adaptation also helps organisms, especially humans, succeed in their surroundings. These responses come from both...

natural selection and mating preferences

How Selection Shapes Mate Choice

Natural selection and mating preferences work together to shape how organisms survive and reproduce. Natural selection favors traits that help an organism fit its environment. Mating preferences are part of sexual selection, which influences who mates with whom and how genes are passed on. Evolutionary psychologists argue that these preferences are tied to instincts that support reproduction. For females, conception, pregnancy, and nursing create a strong need to choose mates who can offer...

criticisms of the evolutionary perspective

criticisms-of-the-evolutionary-perspective

Social Learning vs. Evolutionary Psychology

Social learning theory and evolutionary psychology offer two different ways to explain sexual behavior. A study in which strangers gave students compliments and then asked for casual sex showed a clear gender gap. None of the women said yes, while 70% of the men agreed. Evolutionary psychology explains this result by arguing that natural selection may have shaped women to be more selective about sexual partners. From this view, selectivity can help improve survival and reproductive success. It...

key terms and concepts

Learn how chromosomes, DNA, genes, and the genome work together to shape inherited traits, sex chromosomes, proteins, and key body functions in humans.

Chromosomes, DNA, and Inherited Traits | JoVE K12

JoVE Core Introduction to Psychology offers an engaging learning experience on the fundamental principles of psychology through concise video lessons. Students will explore important topics such as cognitive processes, emotional regulation, and neural mechanisms, establishing a strong foundation in the study of the mind and human behavior. This series provides an accessible and captivating approach to grasp the essential concepts of the discipline.

introduction to psychology

SC.912.L.16

SC.912.L.16.9

new-york-state-science-learning-standards

New York State Science Learning Standards

Inheritance and Variation of Traits

HS-LS3-1.

Phylogenetic Trees

Phylogenetic trees come in many forms. It matters in which sequence the organisms are arranged from the bottom to the top of the tree, but the branches ...

Conditions on Early Earth

Around 4 billion years ago, oceans began to condense on earth while volcanic eruptions released nitrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen ...

The Colonization of Land

Changes in the environment of the early Earth drove the evolution of organisms. As prokaryotic organisms in the oceans began to photosynthesize, they ...

What is Evolutionary History?

Scientists record evolutionary history by analyzing fossil, morphological, and genetic data. The fossil record documents the history of life on Earth and ...

The Evidence for Evolution

Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of ...

The Fossil Record

The fossil record documents only a small fraction of all organisms that have ever inhabited Earth. Fossilization is a rare process, and most organisms ...

Convergent Evolution

Evolution shapes the features of organisms over time, ensuring that they are suited for the environments in which they live. Sometimes, selection pressure ...

Explain how the scientific theory of evolution is supported by the fossil record, comparative anatomy, comparative embryology, biogeography, molecular biology, and observed evolutionary change.

SC.912.L.15.1

evolutionary-relationships-through-genome-comparisons

Evolutionary Relationships through Genome Comparisons

Genome comparison is one of the excellent ways to interpret the evolutionary relationships between organisms. The basic principle of genome comparison is ...

Gene Evolution - Fast or Slow?

The genomes of eukaryotes are punctuated by long stretches of sequence which do not code for proteins or RNAs. Although some of these regions do contain ...

genome-size-and-the-evolution-of-new-genes

Genome Size and the Evolution of New Genes

While every living organism has a genome of some kind (be it RNA, or DNA), there is considerable variation in the sizes of these blueprints. One major ...

Speciation Rates

Speciation can proceed at markedly different rates, and evolutionary biologists commonly describe these differences through the models of gradualism and ...

Discuss the use of molecular clocks to estimate how long ago various groups of organisms diverged evolutionarily from one another.

SC.912.L.15.2

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity describes the variety of living things at multiple organizational levels: genetic, species and ecosystem diversity. Species diversity ...

Threats to Biodiversity

There have been five major extinction events throughout geological history, resulting in the elimination of biodiversity, followed by a rebound of species ...

Biodiversity and Human Values

Human civilization relies on biodiversity in many ways. Sudden changes in species biodiversity result in environmental changes that can modify weather ...

Measuring Biodiversity

Diverse ecosystems are important for the health of the planet and our survival as humans; it is therefore incredibly important for us to understand and ...

Quadrats and Transects Preparation
ExpandStart by tying a knot at the beginning, end and every 5 feet of six 20-foot pieces of rope.
Then, identify three ...

Quadrats and Transects
ExpandIn this activity, you will be using quadrats along transect lines to take biodiversity measurements of the plant species in ...

Extinction

The History of Life on Earth
Fossils of organisms that were different from anything alive today had been documented as early as the 17th century, but it ...

Diversity and Extinction during the Paleogene Epoch
ExpandFirst, familiarize yourself with the extinction reading supplement for the background on what ...

Diversity and Extinction during the Paleogene Epoch
ExpandBegin this procedure by reading the extinction reading supplement that has been printed out for ...

Describe how biological diversity is increased by the origin of new species and how it is decreased by the natural process of extinction.

SC.912.L.15.3

Evolutionary Relationships

Humans have been attempting to properly classify living things since Aristotle made the first attempt during the 4th century BC. Aristotle&#8217;s system ...

Using BLAST to Test Evolutionary Hypotheses
ExpandOpen the BLAST website on each computer that the students will be using. ...

Forming an Evolutionary Hypothesis
ExpandNOTE: A cladogram is an important tool for forming an evolutionary hypothesis. A cladogram is a tree-shaped chart ...

the-tree-of-life-bacteria-archaea-and-eukaryotes

The Tree of Life - Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukaryotes

Describe how and why organisms are hierarchically classified and based on evolutionary relationships.

SC.912.L.15.4

Taxonomy

Taxonomy is the science of defining and naming groups of biological organisms based on shared characteristics. It uses a hierarchy of increasingly ...

Phylogeny

Phylogeny is concerned with the evolutionary diversification of organisms or groups of organisms. A group of organisms with a name is called a taxon ...

Explain the reasons for changes in how organisms are classified.

SC.912.L.15.5

Prokaryotic Cells

Prokaryotes are small unicellular organisms that include the domains &#8212; Archaea and Bacteria. Bacteria include many common microorganisms, such as ...

Eukaryotic Compartmentalization

One of the distinguishing features of eukaryotic cells is that they contain membrane-bound organelles, such as the nucleus and mitochondria, that carry ...

Eukaryotic Evolution

The endosymbiont theory is the most widely accepted theory of eukaryotic evolution; however, its progression is still somewhat debated. According to the ...

Animal and Plant Cell Structure

Animal and plant cells not only differ in their structure, function, and mode of nutrition but also in how they reproduce, specialize, and organize into ...

Discuss distinguishing characteristics of the domains and kingdoms of living organisms.

SC.912.L.15.6

Animal Diversity

Kingdom Animalia is composed of a range of organisms united by a set of common characteristics. Barring a few exceptions, animals are multicellular ...

Form and Function of Crickets and Crayfish
ExpandThis lab involves dissection of both crickets and crayfish. You will need one cricket and one crayfish ...

Form and Function of Crickets and Crayfish
ExpandNOTE: To observe the relationship between form and function in animals, you will be examining and ...

Discuss distinguishing characteristics of vertebrate and representative invertebrate phyla, and chordate classes using typical examples.

SC.912.L.15.7

Describe the scientific explanations of the origin of life on Earth.

SC.912.L.15.8

Understanding Species and Reproductive Barriers

A species is a group of organisms that interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Typically, individuals of the same species appear similar and share ...

Formation of Species

Speciation describes the formation of one or more new species from one or sometimes multiple original species. The resulting species are discrete from the ...

Genetics of Speciation

Speciation is the evolutionary process resulting in the formation of new, distinct species&#x2014;groups of reproductively isolated populations.The ...

Explain the role of reproductive isolation in the process of speciation.

SC.912.L.15.9

Identify basic trends in hominid evolution from early ancestors six million years ago to modern humans, including brain size, jaw size, language, and manufacture of tools.

SC.912.L.15.10

Discuss specific fossil hominids and what they show about human evolution.

SC.912.L.15.11

Hardy-Weinberg Principle

Diploid organisms have two alleles of each gene, one from each parent, in their somatic cells. Therefore, each individual contributes two alleles to the ...

Hardy-Weinberg and Genetic Drift

Evolutionary change is interesting and important to study, but changes in populations occur over long periods of time and in huge physical spaces and are ...

List the conditions for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in a population and why these conditions are not likely to appear in nature. Use the Hardy-Weinberg equation to predict genotypes in a population from observed phenotypes.

SC.912.L.15.12

A. The scientific theory of evolution is the fundamental concept underlying all of biology.

B. The scientific theory of evolution is supported by multiple forms of scientific evidence.

C. Organisms are classified based on their evolutionary history.

D. Natural selection is a primary mechanism leading to evolutionary change.

Chromosomes, DNA, and Inherited Traits

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