Introduction to genetics

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Introduction to Genetics

Genetics (pronunciation: /dʒɪˈnɛtɪks/) is a branch of biology concerned with the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in organisms. The term "genetics" is derived from the Greek word "genetikos" which means "genitive" and "genesis" which means "origin".

History

The concept of genetics dates back to the ancient Greeks, with the philosopher Aristotle proposing that inheritance of traits followed certain rules. However, the modern science of genetics, which seeks to understand the process of inheritance, began with the work of Gregor Mendel in the mid-19th century.

Key Concepts

Gene

A gene (pronunciation: /dʒiːn/) is a unit of heredity which is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring. The term "gene" is derived from the Greek word "genos" which means "race, kind".

DNA

DNA (pronunciation: /diː.ɛnˈeɪ/), or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a molecule composed of two chains that coil around each other to form a double helix carrying genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth and reproduction of all known organisms and many viruses.

Chromosome

A chromosome (pronunciation: /ˈkroʊməˌsoʊm/) is a long DNA molecule with part or all of the genetic material of an organism. The term "chromosome" is derived from the Greek words "chroma" or color and "soma" or body.

Allele

An allele (pronunciation: /əˈliːl/) is one of two or more versions of a gene that are found at the same place on a chromosome. Alleles can exist in different forms and can result in different traits.

Related Terms

  • Genotype - The genetic constitution of an individual organism.
  • Phenotype - The set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.
  • Mutation - The changing of the structure of a gene, resulting in a variant form that may be transmitted to subsequent generations.
  • Heredity - The passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another.

External links

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