Genetics
From RationalWiki
Genetics refers to the study of heredity, genes and genetic material. However, genetics is also a term used in contrast to genomics because of its traditionally lower- throughput, smaller- scale emphasis on single genes, rather than on many genes simultaneously as in genomics.
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[edit] Mendel and His Peas
Mendel's famous experiments with peas pointed the way to the information that results in visible traits being binary in nature. It has since been established that the DNA molecules in the nucleus of cells carries this information, on pairs of chromosomes. Of these pairs of chromosomes, in each living creature one originates from each parent (in the case of sexually reproducing species). This results in a continual mixing of traits present in a species across individuals.
[edit] Non-Sexual Gene Transmission
Non-sexually reproducing organisms pass on identical genetic information to their own to their offspring, whether through division of single celled organisms like bacteria, or various forms of cloning used by many plants (budding, spreading via root systems, or layering of above-ground stalks that grow new roots and become independent). Many organisms, especially plants, are capable of sexual and asexual reproduction, with some alternating between the two from generation to generation.
[edit] Modern Fields of Study
Genetics has moved far beyond the simple tracking of traits from parent to child, however, from the identification of the DNA molecule by Watson, Crick, and Russell, through the modern sequencing of the human genome and the addition or subtraction of traits from existing species by genetic engineering.
[edit] Genetics Before Science
For thousands of years before the mechanisms were understood man has been genetically engineering, by selective breeding, food crops and domesticated animals to improve their flavor, yield, hardiness, and behavior.
[edit] Evolution
The genes that underlie the passing on of traits are one of the fundamental building blocks of the process of evolution.
