Genetics

Genetics is the science/study of heredity and genes in living organisms. All living organisms store their genetic information in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). Viruses can either have DNA or RNA (ribonucleic acid) as their genetic material. This allows replication that preserves traits that maintain the essential characteristics of each species. The science of genetics allows the study of how inheritance occurs, how traits are linked with inheritance, the factors affecting inheritance, and how to manipulate organisms for obtaining desirable traits, such as cows that produce more milk or grain that produces more yield per acre. Modern theories explain how traits are passed down from parent to offspring. Gregor Mendel, an Austrian monk, was the first person to demonstrate heredity in experiments with peas. More about his work is given below. http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Geneticsc

Genetics is the science/study of heredity and genes in living organisms. All living organisms store their genetic information in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). Viruses can either have DNA or RNA (ribonucleic acid) as their genetic material. This allows replication that preserves traits that maintain the essential characteristics of each species. The science of genetics allows the study of how inheritance occurs, how traits are linked with inheritance, the factors affecting inheritance, and how to manipulate organisms for obtaining desirable traits, such as cows that produce more milk or grain that produces more yield per acre. Modern theories explain how traits are passed down from parent to offspring. Gregor Mendel, an Austrian monk, was the first person to demonstrate heredity in experiments with peas. More about his work is given below. http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Geneticsc

The methods of recombinant DNA technology have brought a new era into the field of genetics. These methods make it possible to manipulate the genetics of organisms to improve traits or to help prevent disease. Organisms that are modified in this sense are called "genetically modified organisms, " or GMO. Some of the benefits of this technology include:

1. Decreasing the amount of time needed to transfer desirable traits to crops, such as disease resistance or improved yield.
2. The environmental benefit of reduced pesticide use is conferred in genetically engineered crops that have disease or insect resistance.
3. Improved storage qualities of produce such as better keeping of nutritional values and product integrity.
4. Increasing efficiencies in food production. An example is the enzyme chymosin, which is produced by a genetically engineered bacterium. This enzyme increases the yield of cheese from milk and replaces the calf rennet at about a 50% cost savings.
5. Better nutritional quality. Soybeans can be engineered that have higher protein levels and rice can make the essential vitamin A. Cows have been modified to produce increased levels of the protein casein in their milk. http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/BIO-3.pdf http://www.foodnavigator.com/Science-Nutrition/GMO-milk-could-reduce-processing-costs

Gregor Mendel was born in Austria in 1822, the son of a peasant farmer. He became an ordained Augustinian priest in 1847, but his talent in teaching and academics resulted in studies at the University of Vienna. He taught mathematics and biology and did research until 1868, when he became abbot of his monastery. His broad academic interests included plants, meteorology and theories of evolution. In his studies on the inherited characteristics of peas, which lasted seven years, he found that traits were found in progeny in certain numerical ratios.

From his work, he developed three laws. First, the genes of a plant may contain two different traits, but will not express both of those traits. Secondly, inherited characteristics are independent from another. This formed the basis for the concept of recessive and dominant genes. Lastly, inherited characteristics are determined by genes from each parent, which determines whether the observed trait is dominant or recessive.

Mendel's work provided the foundation for understanding genetics as we know it today. In some cases inheritance is not as simple as it is with peas, but his basic understanding of genetics were sound observations. Today we use knowledge of genetics to breed plants and animals, and even engineer microorganisms, for desirable traits. We have also discovered that many diseases can be inherited and are using advanced molecular genetics techniques to discover new ways to help people who have these diseases live healthier lives. http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/information/biography/klmno/mendel_gregor.html http://www.accessexcellence.org/RC/AB/BC/Gregor_Mendel.php

• Autosomal dominant diseases: Chondroplasia (a form of dwarfism), neurofibromatosis, and Huntington disease

• Autosomal recessive diseases: Assickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and phenylketonuria

• Sex-linked diseases: (XLR diseases) include hemophilia (types A and B) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy

• Polygenic diseases: heart disease, diabetes, stroke, hypertension, cancer, and most forms of mental illness

• Chromosome abnormalities: Down syndrome, Turner syndrome http://science.jrank.org/pages/3596/Inherited-Disorders.html http://www.genome.gov/11508982#al-5