Biology 101: Introduction to Reproduction and Genetics

Trace the evolution of genetics from ancient beliefs and blending inheritance to Mendel's plant experiments and the discovery of DNA, highlighting environment's role in traits.

Explore heredity and genetic inheritance, from Mendel to Punnett diagrams, showing how DNA, genes, and chromosomes pass traits across generations; distinguish genotype versus phenotype and dominance concepts.

Explore heredity through Mendel's experiments, learning how alleles determine phenotype and genotype, and how crossing and Punnett squares reveal F1 and F2 outcomes.

Meiosis produces haploid gametes through two divisions, with crossing over in meiosis I and sister chromatid separation in meiosis II, yielding four genetically diverse haploid cells from a diploid parent.

Explore variation as genetic and environmental differences, and distinguish continuous from discontinuous variation with examples like height, eye color, and blood type; explain crossing over and mutations as sources.

Explore natural selection, where advantageous traits pass to offspring, shaping adaptation to changing environments through examples like peppered moths, antibiotic resistance, and Galapagos finches.

Biotechnology uses biology and engineering to improve health, including insulin production through genetic engineering. It covers plasmids, vectors, transgenic organisms, and gene therapy for inherited diseases.

Explore core genetics concepts through sample questions on blood type inheritance, meiosis and dominant-recessive traits, Punnett squares, natural versus artificial selection, and genetic engineering.

Examine fertilization, zygote formation, embryo to fetus development, placental exchange, amniotic sac and fluid, and the birth process, including prenatal and postnatal care.

Fertilization fuses a sperm and egg to form a diploid zygote, combining 23 chromosomes from each parent. Implantation in the uterus occurs about nine days after ovulation, signaling pregnancy.

Discover birth control methods from natural cycle awareness to barrier methods like condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps, along with hormonal pills, patches, IUDs, and vasectomy or tubal ligation.

Explore sexually transmitted infections in biology 101: introduction to reproduction and genetics, and understand how these infections intersect with core concepts in reproduction and genetics.

Explore how seeds disperse via mechanical, wind, animal, and water agents, and learn the germination process, including moisture, oxygen, and temperature requirements.

Learn how the endocrine system uses hormones from glands such as the pancreas, pituitary, thyroid, ovaries, and testes to regulate body functions, with negative feedback and contrasts with exocrine glands.