Genetics is the scientific study of genes and heredity, which involves how certain qualities or traits are passed from parents to offspring as a result of changes in DNA sequence. It is an important branch of biology because heredity is vital to organisms evolution. Here are some key points about genetics:
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Genes: Genes are sections of DNA that are found inside every human cell. They carry information that affects our health, our appearance, and even our personality. Researchers estimate that humans have about 20,000 genes.
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Chromosomes: Inside each cell, DNA is tightly wrapped together in structures called chromosomes. Every normal cell has 23 pairs of chromosomes (for a total of 46) . The chromosomes that form the 23rd pair are called the sex chromosomes, which decide if a person is born a male or female.
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Inheritance: People get their chromosomes, which contain their genes, from their parents. Children randomly get one of each pair of chromosomes from their mother and one of each pair from their father. This is how traits are passed down from one generation to the next.
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DNA: DNA is shaped like a corkscrew-twisted ladder, called a double helix. The sequences of the four building blocks (adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine) provide the instructions for building molecules, most of which are proteins.
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Genetic Disorders: Some genetic changes have been associated with an increased risk of having a child with a birth defect or developmental disability or developing diseases such as cancer or heart disease. Understanding genetic factors and genetic disorders is important in learning more about promoting health and preventing disease.
Genetics is a vast field of study that has many applications in medicine, agriculture, and other areas.
