In order to understand genetics, it is necessary to learn the basics of cells. Human bodies are made of cells, and all of our organs such as brain, heart, bones and muscles are made of cells. Because cells are very tiny and fragile, we cannot see them with the naked eye, we need a microscope. Cells are living structures that grow and reproduce themselves. They connect to one another to form tissues.
A cell alone is a marvel of nature and is very complicated. Following is a basic explanation about the structure of a cell. Almost all cells have three parts:
a) A cell membrane is a live layer that surrounds the cell and connects the cell with other cells and the environment around cells. The cell membrane controls the inside and outside environments by allowing substances to move through this barrier, in both directions.
b) The cytoplasm is the inner liquid material of the cell that lies between the cell membrane and the nucleus. The cytoplasm has tiny components called organelles that work together to nourish, give energy, and manufacture and store substances.
c) The nucleus is where most of the genetic material, called deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), is stored. DNA is packaged into chromosomes that are housed inside the nucleus. The nucleus is located in the center of the cell. More information is available at this link:
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DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA is the molecule that carries the genetic information used by a cell for the creation of proteins. DNA contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms. The main role of DNA molecules is the long term storage of genetic information. DNA is often compared to a set of blueprints for humans.
The genetic code was a mystery until biologists discovered the structure of DNA as a spiral ladder. The information in DNA is stored as a code made up of four chemical bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). Each step of the ladder is a pair of bases, and an A only binds to a T and C only binds to a G. DNA is a chemical sequence of these bases in two strands that are bound to form a double helix. The order of these bases along a DNA strand is known as the DNA sequence.
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A gene is the basic unit of heredity in a living organism, and is made up of DNA. Heredity is the transfer of characteristics from parent to offspring through their genes. Living organisms pass their DNA, as encoded instructions, to their offspring. Half of our genetic code comes from our father and the other half from our mother.
Genes are carried in chromosomes. Each human cell has 46 chromosomes. Each chromosome contains up to 3,000 genes. Some contain less, like the Y-chromosome that only has 231 genes. But not all genes in a chromosome work; some are “turned on” and others “turned off.” In the human, only 2% of all genes should be “turned on.”
Genes are made up of segments of DNA. A gene is a DNA sequence with coding instructions for a particular protein. Through the DNA, genes encode instructions to make many different types of proteins within our living cells. The human body needs proteins for growth and development. Proteins are necessary to build muscles, bones, blood, hormones, and all other types of tissue and fluid in our bodies. Certain types of proteins, called enzymes are manufactured by genes and control many cellular activities within our bodies. More information is available at this link:
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Genetics is the study of the way physical traits and characteristics get passed down from one generation to the next. Genetics includes the study of genes, which determine what you will look like and whether you are likely to have certain illnesses.
Genomics is a new science that includes the complete study of the hereditary material of living beings and its relationship with the environment.
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Sometimes, when genes are abnormal or have been changed by a mutation, they may not work properly, which may lead to disease. Some genetic abnormalities, or “gene mutations,” are passed on from parent to child. Other genetic conditions are not inherited.
Sometimes a gene mutation alone can cause a person to have a disease, but most diseases are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Some genetic conditions are said to “run in families”, with several family members having the same condition. Other genetic conditions only occur in one family member.
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There are many types of genetic tests. Some will let you know if you have a particular condition or disorder, while others may show if you have inherited a tendency to get certain diseases. A sample of blood, skin or other tissue is needed for genetic testing. Testing for gene mutations is available for many inherited diseases. Researchers continue to develop new tests.
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