BIOLOGICAL BEGINNINGS

 

What is Biological Beginnings?

Biological beginnings is the foundations of child development. 

Genetic FounDations:

DNA, Chromosomes, & Genes:

• Chromosomes: threadlike structures that come in 23 pairs, one member of each pair coming from each parent
• DNA: complex molecule; double helix
• Genes: units of heredity
• Human have only about 30,000 genes
• Genes are short segments of DNA and direct cells to reproduce themselves and to assemble protein.
• Humans have far more proteins than genes.
• Many genes collaborate with each other and with non-genetic factors in the environment and this collaboration happens at any point.
• A gene maybe turned on because of the environment.
• Genotype: genetic heritage
• Phenotype: genotype expressed in observable and measurable characteristic

                                           The process of Meiosis:

                                            In the process of Meiosis, new cells are formed. This gives the child "genetic characteristics" and features from both of their parents. Meiosis starts when the 46 chromosomes pair up into 23 matched sets. The germ then duplicates each chromosome and they line up side by side. Following this process, segments of genetic material are “exchanged between each pair.” The genes are shuffled between paired chromosomes and new combinations are formed.

Conception to Birth 

1. Development of the Zygote

2. Development of the Embryo

3. Development of the Fetus