Principles - Of Genetics

The study of genetics began in the mid-19th century with Gregor Mendel’s experiments on pea plants. Mendel established the , which remain the bedrock of the field:

Genetics is not just about stability; it is also about change. occurs through recombination during reproduction and through mutations —random changes in the DNA sequence. While some mutations are harmful, others provide the raw material for evolution, allowing species to adapt to changing environments over generations. Modern Applications and Ethics Principles of Genetics

The "Central Dogma" of molecular biology describes the flow of this information: DNA is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into proteins. This process determines an organism's (observable traits) based on its genotype (genetic makeup). Genetic Variation and Mutation The study of genetics began in the mid-19th