Genetics

When you take a look at yourself in the mirror, what do you see? Do your eyes resemble that of your mother's eyes or your father's? What about your complexion or the way you smile? See any similarities and any differences? You get 23 chromosomes from your mom and 23 chromosomes from your dad to make 46 chromosomes total (23 pairs of chromosomes)! No wonder you might look half like each of them! The study of genetics is how traits and variations in genes are passed from parent to offspring from each generation. A gene is a unit of hereditary in an organism, or much simply it is a trait that is being passed from parent to child.

Gregor Mendel might have started the study of genetics by experimenting with his pea plants, but it has far expanded since then! Geneticists are now working to transfer genes from one species to a different species for medicinal purposes using the concept of DNA extraction! DNA electrophoresis is used to match DNA for paternity tests or to match a suspect to a crime!

Knowing about hereditary patterns has also given scientists an insight into different diseases such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's. The human genome has been mapped and can aid in making personalized medication to fit your own need! Check out more cool things in the field of genetics!