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:
11 min read 
What is DNA polymerase IV? Definition of DNA polymerase IV DNA polymerase IV is a prokaryotic enzyme encoded by the dinB gene, involved in mutagenesis and DNA repair processes, especially during the SOS response to DNA damage. Unlike many polymerases, it lacks proofreading activity, making it error-prone, but it plays a crucial role in translesion … Read more
15 min read 
What is Deletion Mutation? Definition of Deletion Mutation A deletion mutation is a genetic anomaly in which a segment of a chromosome or DNA sequence is omitted during DNA replication, leading to the absence of specific nucleotides or entire chromosomal segments. This can result in altered gene function or expression. Causes of Deletion Mutation Deletion … Read more
22 min read 
What is Interphase? Definition of Interphase Interphase is the phase in the eukaryotic cell cycle during which the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for cell division, encompassing the G1, S, and G2 sub-stages. Stages of Interphase 1. Gap 1 2. Synthesis In summation, the Synthesis phase is a critical juncture in the cell … Read more
21 min read 
What is Genetic Engineering? Definition of Genetic Engineering Genetic engineering is the deliberate manipulation of an organism’s DNA using advanced techniques to modify, add, or remove specific genes, resulting in desired genetic traits or functions. Basic Tools of Genetic Engineering Genetic engineering involves the manipulation and transfer of genes from one organism to another. To … Read more
11 min read 
What is DNA polymerase I? Definition of DNA polymerase I DNA polymerase I (Pol I) is an enzyme found in prokaryotes that plays a role in DNA replication and repair, primarily assisting in the removal of RNA primers and filling in the resulting gaps with DNA nucleotides. Structure of DNA polymerase I Mechanism of DNA … Read more
23 min read 
What is Recombinant DNA? Definition of Recombinant DNA Recombinant DNA (rDNA) is a form of DNA constructed in the laboratory by joining genetic material from multiple sources, creating sequences not naturally found in any organism. Characterisitcs Features of Recombinant DNA Recombinant DNA (rDNA) refers to the formation of new combinations of DNA sequences that are … Read more
21 min read 
What is Chromosome Mapping? Chromosome mapping is a pivotal technique in genetics that determines the relative positions of genes on a chromosome. This process involves creating maps that systematically organize and elucidate genetic information on chromosomes. These maps not only depict the positions of genes but also the distances between them, scaled to a specific … Read more
44 min read 
In 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick made a groundbreaking contribution to the understanding of DNA structure. By combining physical and chemical data, they proposed a model for DNA as a double helix, a twisted molecule consisting of two complementary strands held together by hydrogen bonds. This model revolutionized our knowledge of genetics and unlocked … Read more
12 min read 
What are plasmids? In addition to the chromosome (nucleoid) of bacteria, the cytoplasm of bacterial cells typically contains genetic components. These genetic components live independently of the chromosome and proliferate as plasmids. or Plasmids are double-stranded, self-replicating DNA segments with a few kilobases that are often found in gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial strains, as well … Read more
14 min read 
What are exons? The history of the term “exon” dates back to 1978 when Walter Gilbert, an American biochemist, introduced the concept. Gilbert proposed a new perspective on the structure of genes, suggesting that the traditional idea of a cistron should be replaced by a transcription unit consisting of regions that would be lost from … Read more