PLB 303: Molecular and Population Genetics
Credit Hours: 2 (2+0)
Full Marks: 50 (Theory: 50, Practical: 0)
Course Objectives
Upon completion, students will be able to:
- Understand the molecular nature of genes and their manipulation.
- Learn the principles and applications of genetic engineering.
- Analyze chromosome structure and genetic control in eukaryotes.
- Apply probability and statistical testing in genetics.
- Understand quantitative and population genetics, including gene frequencies and evolutionary processes.
I. Syllabus Overview
- Nature of genes, gene isolation, and manipulation.
- Genetic engineering techniques for crop improvement.
- Chromosome and genetic control in eukaryotes.
- Probability, chi-square, and statistical testing in genetics.
- Quantitative genetics: heterosis, inbreeding, heritability, polygenes, genotype × environment interactions.
- Population genetics: gene pool, Hardy-Weinberg law, allelic frequency changes, genetic diversity, and evolution.
II. Course Outline
A. Lectures (30)
| S.N. | Topic | Subtopic | No. of Lectures |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The nature of gene | One gene-one polypeptide, enzymatic explanation, genetic fine structure | 3 |
| 2 | Gene isolation & manipulation | Restriction enzymes, DNA isolation, cloning vectors, r-DNA technology, cloning methods, PCR, gel electrophoresis | 5 |
| 3 | Genetic engineering | Definition, steps, methods, crop improvement applications | 2 |
| 4 | Chromosome & genetic control | Eukaryotic chromosomes, gene expression, central dogma | 3 |
| 5 | Probability & statistical testing | Probability rules, genetic ratio calculation, chi-square test | 2 |
| 6 | Quantitative genetics | Heterosis, inbreeding, Johannsen’s pureline theory, variance, regression, heritability, polygenes, genotype × environment, path analysis, GCA/SCA | 7 |
| 7 | Population genetics | Population structure, Mendelian population, gene pool, gene/genotype frequencies, Hardy-Weinberg law, selection, migration, mutation, genetic drift, multiple alleles, linkage, genetic diversity, chromosome changes, species isolation | 8 |
| Total | 30 |
References
- Dabholkar, A.R. (1999). Elements of Biometrical Genetics. Concept Publishing, New Delhi, India.
- Gardner, E.J., Simmons, M.J., & Snustad, D.P. (2011). Principles of Genetics (8th Ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Singapore.
- Griffiths, A.J.F., Wessler, S.R., Carroll, S.B., & Doebley, J. (2012). An Introduction to Genetic Analysis (10th Ed.). W.H. Freeman, New York, USA.
- Hichey, G.I., Fletcher, H.L., & Winter, P. (2010). Genetics (3rd Ed.). Taylor & Francis Group, USA.
- Strickberger, M.W. (2012). Genetics (3rd Ed.). PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, India.
