It is common to hear that a person has certain characteristics due to genetics. However, few people know the real meaning of this word. How about we learn more about Genetics and its importance to science?
Genetics is the part of biology that studies how characteristics are transmitted from one person to another over generations (heredity). Understanding how characteristics are transmitted helps us, for example, to obtain stronger and more resistant plants. pests or to understand the probability of a couple who have a serious illness passing this illness on to their sons.
Genetics studies more precisely the genes, which are portions of DNA able to produce a protein that will be responsible for each characteristic. Each person has genes responsible for eye color, hair color, and so on in the nucleus of their cells. The set of genes that each person has we call genome.
Traits are passed on through the genes at the time of reproduction. This is because, in the egg and sperm, the genes of the mother and father are found, respectively. Thus, when sperm enter the egg, genetic information from the father and mother are present to form a new being (Read also: babies sex).
Today, the way in which characteristics are passed from father to son is well understood. In the past, however, this was a doubt that many researchers had and several researches were carried out to solve the mystery.
The first studies in genetics were carried out by Gregor Mendel in the 19th century. This important researcher carried out experiments with peas and concluded that the characteristics were inherited by factors from the mother and father. These factors, which were later called genes, were present in gametes (egg and sperm) and were transmitted during fertilization.
From the understanding of how these characteristics are passed between generations, many advances were made. It is thanks to Genetics that today we are able to make transgenic products, understand the development of some types of tumors, create clones, perform DNA tests, among several other important discoveries.
Take the opportunity to check out our video classes on the subject:
