Genetics

Genetics is a branch of natural science that deals with heredity due to the transmission of genes, gene regulation, and gene manipulation.

  • Genetics is a connecting link between many disciplines like microbiology, biotechnology, medicine, and agriculture.
  • Studies involving genes and chromosomes of living beings began quite late as it requires significant advances in the microscopy area.
  • The influence of heredity and its application of cultivation and production improved organisms, however, had been recognized since ancient times.
  • The study of genes and genetics began as a major concept after studies made by Mendel on pea plants. It was further strengthened and flourished by the works of Morgan.
  • Eventually, genetics became a distinct area of study with the identification of genes and the study of genes at different levels, including their role in the cell, their regulation, and their expression.
  • Initially, genetics was limited to understanding the concept and process of heredity via techniques like the formation of Punnet’s square. With the development of techniques like X-ray diffraction, the structure of DNA, and the presence of genetic code were established. This paved the way for modern genetics.
  • Modern genetics focuses on the chemical composition of structures found in genes like the DNA that influences the chemical reactions taking place in the cell.
  • Gene expression is influenced by two major factors; the genetic composition and the influence of the environment.
  • The influence of the environment on gene expression can be distinctly observed in green plants where the gene responsible for the formation of chlorophyll is only expressed in the presence of sunlight.
  •  Genes, through the proteins they encode, determine how efficiently foods and chemicals are metabolized, how effectively toxins are detoxified, and even how vigorously infections are targeted.
  • Processes like mutations are now a significant cause of major genetic diseases. The mutations might arise due to a complex combination of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors.