In this course, you will examine how genetic information is stored, copied, and expressed through DNA and RNA. Drawing on trusted content from genetics experts, including Benjamin A. Pierce, author of Genetics Essentials, published by Macmillan Learning, you will explore genetic material, the double helix, chromosome organization, chromatin packaging, telomeres, centromeres, and sequence variation.

You will study DNA replication and recombination, including semiconservative replication; bacterial replication enzymes and proteins; similarities and differences in eukaryotic replication; and the alignment, breakage, and repair involved in homologous recombination. You will then follow the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA by examining RNA structure and cellular functions; bacterial transcription initiation, elongation, and termination; eukaryotic gene structure; and RNA processing. Through readings, dialogues, concept checks, and graded assignments, you will apply these ideas to biological examples. By the end, you will be able to compare core replication and transcription processes and explain how DNA organization and RNA processing support genetic information flow. This course is part of the Genetics Essentials Specialization but can also be taken independently.