Genetics Definition

Genetics is the branch of biology that deals with understanding how characteristics are transferred from generation to generation through genes. It shows how traits like eye colour and height, among others, and even some diseases, are inherited from parent to offspring. This topic is from the Class 12 chapter Principles of Inheritance and Variation in Biology. Questions from this topic are asked in competitive exams like NEET and AIIMS BSc Nursing, where a good knowledge of principles in genetics is helpful.

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Genetics Definition

This history of genetics can be traced back to the 19th century by an Austrian monk Gregor Mendel who is rightly known as the "Father of Genetics." This was where he discovered the basic principles of heredity, noticing how certain traits were being passed on from generation to generation after conducting some experiments on pea plants. From his work, modern genetics blossomed to study DNA, genetic disorders, and even genetic engineering. Mendel's findings revealed that heredity is a deterministic process, hence establishing an example for scientists to predict the patterns that could be followed in acquiring specific traits.

Genetics is that portion of biology dealing with the inheritance of traits and characteristics from the parents to their offspring. It can be defined as a study which focuses on genes, which are the units of heredity. Genes can carry information about things like eye colour, height, and even certain behaviours. The ability to understand living organisms in terms of how they inherit their traits and how individuals become unique can be achieved through studying genetics.

The central concept of genetics is that genes determine the transmission of traits from generation to generation. Genes are located on what are called chromosomes. These exist within the cells of all living things. The human draws half of their genes from one parent and half from the other. These genes in combination create a determinate of a person's phenotype, from basic body structure to practical abilities or even health. Mutations are the variations within genes, and these are where differences in traits occur or sometimes are carried into the development stage to cause genetic disease.

Basic Concepts in Genetics

The basic concepts used in genetics are:

Genes and Chromosomes

They are segments of the chromosomes that contain sequences responsible for encoding a particular characteristic in a living thing. They are situated on chromosomes, filamentous bodies present in the nucleus of the cells associated with the transmission of hereditary characteristics. This is a molecule that carries the codes which determine the characteristics of an individual, it is known as deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA for short. Its structure in the form of a double helix includes two spiral strands and nucleotide bases adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G) in the middle part.

Genetic Code

The genetic code is a repository of a set of rules that determine how the letters of the DNA sequence are matched up with the letters of the amino acid sequence which goes to make up proteins. Any string of three consecutive nucleotides in the mRNA is called a codon which represents a particular amino acid or allows the process of translation to stop. It means transcription or formation of mRNA from DNA which forms the basis of cell activities and translation or building of proteins from mRNA which helps in deciding the characteristics of an individual.

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