Understanding Genetics: DNA, Genes, and Their Real-World Applications

Course Overview

Course No. 1533

Gain a solid background on DNA and genetics and stay current with the latest advances in genetic engineering with this course by an award-winning professor of biology.

We use DNA routinely to cure diseases, solve crimes, and reunite families. Yet it’s still a relatively new scientific discovery, and we’re continuing to learn about its potential to transform our health, nutrition, society, and future.

Professor David Sadava of the City of Hope Medical Center unlocks DNA’s mysteries as he explains the science of genetics, guiding you through decades of cutting-edge research, scientific discovery, and genetics’ profound implications for individuals and society.

Video Lectures

01: Our Inheritance (31 min)

From earliest history, humans have bred plants and animals for desirable traits. This lecture introduces the three major unifying ideas in biological science.

02: Mendel and Genes (30 min)

Gregor Mendel’s pea-plant experiments laid the foundation for modern genetics, though his work was overlooked for nearly 40 years.

03: Genes and Chromosomes (30 min)

Explore the physical and chemical environment of genes, from cells to chromosomes, and their role in biological continuity.

04: The Search for the Gene-DNA (30 min)

How research on smoking and lung cancer revealed DNA as the damaged genetic material in tumor cells.

05: DNA Structure and Replication (31 min)

The discovery of the double helix model by Watson and Crick, building on earlier scientific work.

06: DNA Expression in Proteins (29 min)

How proteins, essential for human function, relate to DNA and why certain amino acids are crucial for nutrition.

07: Genes, Enzymes, and Metabolism (29 min)

Enzymes encoded in genes drive metabolic processes, converting consumed substances into needed compounds.

08: From DNA to Protein (30 min)

The mechanism of gene expression, illustrated by the deadly effects of the poison ricin.

09: Genomes (31 min)

The Human Genome Project’s origins and insights into the 24,000 genes expressed in humans.

10: Manipulating Genes-Recombinant DNA (31 min)

How bacterial defense mechanisms led to the discovery of DNA splicing and recombinant DNA technology.

11: Isolating Genes and DNA (30 min)

The reverse genetics approach that identified the missing gene in muscular dystrophy patients.

12: Biotechnology-Genetic Engineering (30 min)

The development of synthetic insulin, replacing animal-derived insulin for diabetes treatment.

13: Biotechnology and the Environment (30 min)

Using genetically engineered organisms to address pollution, oil spills, and toxic waste.

14: Manipulating DNA by PCR and Other Methods (30 min)

Extracting DNA from fossils and sequencing methods, including the science behind Jurassic Park.

15: DNA in Identification-Forensics (30 min)

DNA testing’s role in solving crimes and reuniting families, such as after the 2004 tsunami.

16: DNA and Evolution (32 min)

The genetic basis of Darwin’s theories, linking species to common ancestors.

17: DNA and Human Evolution (31 min)

How sickle cell disease carriers developed resistance to malaria, illustrating genetic adaptation.

18: Molecular Medicine-Genetic Screening (31 min)

Techniques for detecting disease-causing genes and their implications for drug susceptibility.

19: Molecular Medicine-The Immune System (29 min)

Historical and modern insights into vaccination and antibody resistance.

20: Molecular Medicine-Cancer (30 min)

The genetic origins of cancer and current treatment approaches.

21: Molecular Medicine-Gene Therapy (31 min)

Advances in gene therapy, including experimental successes in humans and animals.

22: Molecular Medicine-Cloning and Stem Cells (31 min)

The science and ethical debates surrounding cloning and stem cell research.

23: Genetics and Agriculture (30 min)

How genetic modifications in crops like corn, rice, and wheat address global food demands.

24: Biotechnology and Agriculture (31 min)

The benefits and controversies of genetically modified plants adapting to environmental changes.