Genetics

Genetics

  • Submitted By: ssclay
  • Date Submitted: 04/15/2013 11:48 AM
  • Category: Science
  • Words: 378
  • Page: 2
  • Views: 89

What is Genetics? The Science that accounts for natural differences and resemblances among organisms related by descent. Genetics was often in the news from the mid-1990s into the 21st century, as scientists published the results of experiments in genetics research. Each of us has a unique set of chemical blueprints affecting how our body looks and functions. These blueprints are contained in our DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) long, spiral-shaped molecules found inside every cell. DNA carries the codes for genetic information and is made of linked subunits called nucleotides. Each nucleotide contains a phosphate molecule, a sugar molecule deoxyribose, and one of four coding molecules called bases adenine, guanine, cytosine, or thymine. The sequence of these four bases determines the genetic code.The specific segments of DNA that contain the instructions for making specific body proteins are called genes. Right now, scientists believe that human DNA carries from 25,000 to 35,000 genes. Some genes direct the formation of proteins that eventually determine physical features such as brown eyes or curly hair. Others provide instructions for the body to produce important chemicals called enzymes which help control the chemical reactions in the body.Sometimes, depending on the codes of a specific gene, even a small error within the DNA structure can mean serious problems for the entire body. Sometimes, an error in just one gene can result in a life that's shortened or physically difficult.Genes are found in specific segments along the length of human DNA, neatly packaged within structures called chromosomes. Every human cell contains 46 chromosomes, arranged as 23 pairs called autosomes, with one member of each pair inherited from each parent at the time of conception. After conception, the chromosomes duplicate again and again to pass on the same genetic information to each new cell in the developing child. Twenty two autosomes are the same in males and females. In...

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