Inheritance of characters
Learn about genes, DNA, and chromosomes in this free course on the inheritance of characters. Understand the impact of genetic makeup on health and how genetic material is passed on from generation to generation. Gain insights into the human genome project and the role of chromosomes in determining sex.
Genes are units of inheritance that contribute to a person’s behaviour and health. In this free course, Inheritance of characters, you will learn what genes, DNA and chromosomes are and how they combine to make the human genome. You will also learn how the principles of inheritance work, the effect that our genetic make-up has on health, and how genetic material is passed on from generation to generation.
Course learning outcomes
After studying this course, you should be able to:
Understand that genes are the units of inheritance for individual characteristics and also may contribute to susceptibility to certain diseases
Understand the number of chromosomes that make up the human genome and where they are located within the cell
Understand something of the immense scale of the human genome project
Understand how gametes are produced by the process of meiosis and how the full complement of 46 chromosomes is restored at fertilisation
Understand the role of the X and Y chromosomes in determining sex and how they are inherited.