Classification and Heredity

Classification

• Classification involves placing organisms into similar groups.
• Taxonomy is the branch of science that classifies organisms/

• Members of a species share many features, but there are differences between individuals. These differences are called variations.
• Types of variations include:
  1. Acquired variations
  2. Inherited variations

Types of Variations:

1. Acquired Variations:

• Not controlled by genes.
• Learned or developed during life.
• Examples: Speaking, riding a bike, using a computer.

2. Inherited Variations:

• Controlled by genes.
• Examples: Number of fingers, production of hair and nails.

Heredity

Key Concepts in Heredity:

1. Characteristics:

• Traits or features that are genetically inherited.

2. Genes:

• A gene is a section of DNA that causes the production of a protein.
• Many proteins produced by genes are enzymes.
• Genes vary in length because the proteins they produce are of different lengths.

3. Gene Expression:

• The way genetic information in a gene is decoded in the cell to produce a protein.
• Not all genes are expressed. For example, a gene for tallness may not cause tallness if the child's diet lacks proper nutrients.