genetics
Definition
Genes are the instructions that tell our bodies how to grow and develop. They are made up of DNA, which is a long molecule that contains all of the information that makes us unique.
The DNA in a gene is made up of a sequence of nucleotides. Nucleotides are the basic units of DNA. There are four different nucleotides: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). The sequence of nucleotides in a gene determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein.
The sequence of amino acids in a protein determines its structure and function. For example, the protein haemoglobin carries oxygen in the blood. The sequence of amino acids in haemoglobin determines how it folds into its characteristic shape and how it binds to oxygen.
Genes are passed down from parents to their children. This is how traits like eye colour, hair colour, and height are inherited. When a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell, the two cells combine their DNA to form a new cell. This new cell contains all of the genes that the child will inherit from their parents.
Genetics is a complex and fascinating field of science. Scientists are still learning about how genes work and how they affect our bodies.
How can the word be used?
Scientists have genotyped the organism to determine its genetic makeup.
Different forms of the word
Noun: genetics.
Adjective: genetic.
Verb: to genotype.
Adverb: genetically.
Etymology
The word "genetics" comes from the Greek word "γενετικός" (genetikós), which means "pertaining to birth". The Greek word "γενετικός" is derived from the word "γένεσις" (genesis), which means "origin" or "birth".
Question
What do your genetics determine?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question: What is a gene?
Answer:
A gene is a unit of heredity that is passed from parents to offspring. Genes are made up of DNA, and they code for specific proteins. Proteins are the building blocks of cells, and they control all of the functions of the body.
Genes are located on chromosomes, which are thread-like structures found in the nucleus of cells. Chromosomes are made up of DNA, and they contain all of the genetic information that an organism needs to survive and reproduce.
When an organism reproduces, its genes are passed on to its offspring. This is how traits are passed down from generation to generation.
Genes can be changed, or mutated. Mutations can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to radiation, or they can be inherited from parents. Mutations can cause changes in the way that an organism looks or behaves. In some cases, mutations can cause genetic disorders.
Genetics is the study of genes and heredity. It is a complex and fascinating field of study that has implications for our understanding of human health, disease, and evolution.
Here are some additional details about genes:
- Structure: Genes are made up of DNA, which is a molecule that is made up of two strands of nucleotides. The nucleotides in DNA are arranged in a specific order, and this order encodes the genetic information for the organism.
- Function: Genes code for specific proteins. Proteins are the building blocks of cells, and they control all of the functions of the body. For example, genes code for proteins that are involved in metabolism, growth, and development.
- Inheritance: Genes are passed on from parents to offspring. This is how traits are passed down from generation to generation. For example, if a parent has blue eyes, their offspring will have a 50% chance of inheriting blue eyes.
- Mutations: Genes can be changed, or mutated. Mutations can be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to radiation, or they can be inherited from parents. Mutations can cause changes in the way that an organism looks or behaves. In some cases, mutations can cause genetic disorders.