Genetics is the branch of biology that studies genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms. It explores how traits are passed from parents to offspring through genes, which are segments of DNA that carry instructions for building and maintaining an organism.
Key areas in genetics include:
What are plasmids? Copy Number and Physical Nature of Plasmids Properties of Plasmids Plasmid Replication Mechanism 1. Rolling circle Mode of Replication Rolling-Circle Replication (RCR) is described as a method of DNA replication that is used by some viruses, plasmids and circular genetic elements. A single-strand nick is introduced at the origin and the 5′-end … Read more
What is genetic variation? Genetic variation is the differences that are found in the DNA sequences among individuals of the same species. It’s what makes every organism a bit different from others even they belong to same population. Inside populations, variation is mostly caused by mutations, recombination / crossing over (during meiosis), and sometimes by … Read more
What is Artificial Selection? Artificial selection is a process by which humans are intentionally choosing certain organisms / traits for reproduction, it has been used for centuries actually even before the mechanism of genes was understood properly. In artificial selection, individuals that show desirable features (like color, yield, behavior etc.) are allowed to breed, while … Read more
DNA replication is the process by which genetic material is copied before cell division happens, it’s considered essential for inheritance. Among different models, the main ones observed are Theta model, Rolling Circle model, and Linear DNA replication. Each model are used by different organisms or DNA types (like plasmids, viruses, or eukaryotic chromosomes). The three … Read more
• Edited by Sourav Pan • • 18 min read
An codon chart is presented as a compact key, that maps three-nucleotide codons to amino acids, and it is usually shown as a table or circular map. In the chart, each codon is represented by three bases (A, U, G, C) and is read in the 5’→3’ direction, misreading the direction will alter meaning. Sixty-four … Read more
What is gene expression, and how does it relate to cell specialization? Gene expression is a fundamental biological process through which the information encoded in a gene is utilized to produce functional products, primarily proteins. This mechanism plays a crucial role in cell specialization, often referred to as cell differentiation, wherein generic cells evolve into … Read more
What is Helicase? What is DNA Helicase? History of DNA Helicases The history of DNA helicases begins with their discovery in the mid-1970s. These enzymes, crucial for unwinding DNA strands, have been extensively studied across a wide range of organisms. From bacteria to plants and humans, research on helicases has revealed their essential role in … Read more
What is Nondisjunction? Types of Nondisjunction Nondisjunction is a critical genetic error that can occur during cell division, specifically during both mitosis and meiosis. Understanding the types of nondisjunction is essential for grasping how chromosomal abnormalities arise. Below are the primary types of nondisjunction, detailing their mechanisms and consequences. In both mitotic and meiotic nondisjunction, … Read more
What is Transgenic Animal? Definition of Transgenic Animal A transgenic animal is an organism that has had a foreign gene (transgene) deliberately inserted into its genome, allowing the gene to be expressed and passed on to future generations. Steps for Production of Transgenic Animals The production of transgenic animals involves a detailed and systematic approach … Read more
What is Point mutation? Definition of Point mutation A point mutation is a genetic mutation involving a change in a single nucleotide base in the DNA or RNA sequence, which can affect the sequence of amino acids in a protein. Causes of Point mutation Point mutations are primarily caused by various mechanisms that affect the … Read more
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