Module 7 Molecular Genetics
Module Summary and Assessment
Module Summary
In this module you explored the following overarching question:
- Can we explain the transmission of traits at the molecular level by understanding the structure of DNA, its role in protein synthesis, and how it could mutate?
In this module, you learned about the historical events that lead up to the discovery of DNA and its structure. You learned how this amazingly simple, and yet complicated structure can code for genetic traits, make copies of itself, and direct the synthesis of protein (the major component of so many body parts, like the hormones you learned about in Unit A, and enzymes).
There are enzymes that can clip DNA apart, and enzymes that put it back together in a new way. You explored sources of variation and its application in various technologies. You looked at societal, medical, and ethical issues related to the field of genetic technology, which is rapidly developing many ways to alter genetic traits and treat genetic diseases. Furthermore, you saw that DNA has the tendency to stay the same, and yet it changes. These changes are random and can result in abnormalities. They can also provide a source of variability that is the basis for evolution. You saw that you can trace relationships among organisms of different species by comparing their genetic material.
Module Assessment
The following assignments should have been completed for this module as well as tutorial summaries submitted for each tutorial video.
As this is the last module in the unit, the unit quiz and exam can also be completed.