Class notes ANTH 1201

Cell Biology and DNA:
Why is this important?
-​ Building blocks to larger concepts in course such as
●​ Variations between individuals
●​ Change in traits as they are inherited through generations
Cells: the fundamental unit of life
-​ Prokaryotes (first cell on earth)
●​ Starting point
●​ No nucleus
-​ Eukaryotes
●​ Animal cell
●​ Contains genetic information that controls cell function
●​ Contains nucleus
-​ Organelles
●​ Nucleus
-​ Contains genetic information that controls the cell’s function
●​ Mitochondria
-​ Contains the organelles, which are involved in activities related to
the function of cell and organism
●​ Ribosomes
-​ Essential to the manufacture of proteins
●​ Cytoplasm
-​ Produce energy for the cell
-​ Contain their own DNA, mitochondrial DNA
-​ Back to DNA and the nucleus
●​ Chromosomes
-​ Composed of DNA and proteins
-​ coiled or uncoiled at different times
-​ Chromosomes (two main types)
●​ Autosomes: determine traits other than sex
-​ 22 pairs (in humans)
●​ Sex chromosomes: determines sex
-​ 1 pair (in humans)

-​ Each parent only gives half
●​ Gametes aka germ cells: reproductive cells, sperm, and eggs (ova)
-​ Haploid (23 chromosomes)
●​ Somatic cells make up your body
-​ Diploid (46 chromosomes)