Genetics Basics


   Lesson 1: The basics of DNA and genetic disease, including phenotype and genotype
   Lesson 2: Chromosomes, Mutations, and Other Terminology
   Lesson 3: Modes of Inheritance
   Lesson 4: Additional Terminology
   Lesson 5: Meiosis

This course covers the introductory concepts of genetics. After completing it, you will have a basic understanding of:

  • Phenotype and genotype, and their importance in defining a genetic model for linkage analysis
  • Pedigree analysis in determining Mendelian inheritance
  • The differences between autosomal and sex-linked loci and dominant and recessive inheritance
  • Genetic terminology such as penetrance, expression, anticipation, and genetic markers
  • The process of meiosis and its consequences

Instructions to Users
Links to supplemental clinical information are included in some lessons and are indicated by the underlined words. Words appearing in bold are keywords you may enter in the Search field. Use the arrow buttons on each lesson page to scroll for additional text.



Developed by the Center for Human Genetics, Duke University Medical Center and maintained by the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, with support from National Human Genome Research Institute (HG00026), and the Bureau of Health Professions in the Department of Health and Human Services (1D49HP100000)