What is Genetics?
Genetics can be defined as the study of variations and heredity in organisms. In every cell, there is a nucleus, and in every nucleus, there are chromosomes. Every normal human being has 46 chromosomes that hold DNA. DNA is the source of genes which codes for different proteins that makes up different parts of the body. The video on the right explains more about the DNA process while it talks about the new discovery.
How can Genetics be useful?
Have you ever thought how this information can be useful? Well, it is VERY useful. Doctors now can take a sample of your cheek cells or take a baby cell and run it through the computer for your karyotype. A karyotype consists of all your chromosomes and it shows if you have any extra or missing chromosome. It can also determine if the baby is a girl or a boy, or tells you if you have a genetic disease or not. Another way genetics can be useful is knowing your blood type. The blood types are type A, B, AB, and O. Knowing your blood type can help you when you are in need of blood. Since blood type A can't mix with B, knowing your blood type could prevent your death or someone else's. People donate blood to save the lives of others, and that's where genetics come in, it can tell you your blood type.
Some useful Vocabulary
- Alleles: Different form of a gene that makes up the character trait, it is responsible for varieties. Ex. the color of a flower
- Dominant trait: If this appears, the other trait won't be expressed. Expressed with a capital letter. Ex:BB or Bb
- Recessive trait: The "lesser" trait, It will only show if there is no dominant in the allele. Expressed with a lower case letter. Ex:bb
- Phenotype: The physical trait of an allele. Ex. Blue eyes
- Genotype: The genetic "code" for a phenotype. Ex. Hh