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:
Molecular Genetics: Studies how DNA, RNA, and proteins function in cells.
Mendelian Genetics: Focuses on inheritance patterns based on Gregor Mendel’s laws.
Population Genetics: Examines how genetic variations occur within populations over time.
Genomic Studies: Involves sequencing and analyzing whole genomes to understand genetic influence on traits.
1. Rolling circle replication Rolling circle replication (RCR) is a unidirectional mode of nucleic acid replication that efficiently generates multiple copies of circular DNA or RNA molecules. This process is commonly observed in plasmids, bacteriophage genomes, viroids, and certain eukaryotic viruses that use it to replicate their genetic material. The mechanism is a hallmark of … Read more
What is Artificial Selection? Definition of Artificial Selection Artificial selection, or selective breeding, is the human-driven process of breeding plants or animals to promote desirable traits in offspring by selecting specific individuals with those traits to reproduce. Darwin’s Experiments With Artificial Selection Darwin’s experiments with artificial selection were pivotal in the development of his theories … Read more
What is genetic variation? Definition of genetic variation Genetic variation refers to the differences in DNA sequences among individuals within a population, resulting in diverse traits. This variation arises from factors such as mutations, gene recombination during reproduction, and genetic drift, and it plays a crucial role in evolution and adaptation to changing environments. Types … 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
What is Missense Mutation? Definition of Missense Mutation A missense mutation is a type of point mutation in which a single nucleotide change results in the substitution of one amino acid for another in the protein sequence, potentially altering the protein’s function. Types of Missense Mutation There are two Types of Missense Mutation; Causes of … Read more
What is Nonsense Mutation? Definition of Nonsense Mutation A nonsense mutation is a genetic alteration that introduces a premature stop codon into the coding sequence of a gene, leading to the production of a truncated and often nonfunctional protein. Causes of nonsense mutation Nonsense mutations are a specific type of genetic mutation where a change … Read more
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