Genetics

[the prodogy]

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How important is genetics in the DAT? I was planning on taking a genetics class, but from what I've heard, the only person that teaches it in my university isn't very good at teaching it and is incredibly hard. Would it be a mistake to try to learn genetics on my own by using a DAT prep book?

 

[shane.]

From what i've read in Kaplan BB, Cliff's AP Bio, and seen in the DAT Destroyer, you can definetely teach yourself the required basics of genetics.

 

[DrCooper2637]

Yeah, taking genetics, although it would be helpful, is not necessary for the genetics portion on the DAT. I just finished my genetics class right before I took the DAT and it was a lot more in depth than what the DAT covers. Just make sure you know the basics: different type of mutations (ie, point, translocation, inversion, etc.), how to calculate map distances, how to do test crosses and dihybrid crosses, how to interpret pedigrees (ie, whether the pedigree is showing a sex-linked mutation or a recessive mutation), and understand that bases are hydrogen bonded together (G to C is 3 H bonds whereas A and T is 2 H bonds), and that the nucleotides are linked via phosphodiester bonds.