First lecture: Genetics

          Genetics is the study of what genes are and how they carry information and how they are duplicated and passed from one generation to another or between organisms. Common terminologies associated with the study of genetics include;

a) Genome: This is the genetic information in a cell and it includes chromosome and then plasmid.

b) Genes: These are segments of DNA except in some viruses which are made up of RNA that code for functional product.

c) Genetic code: A set of rules that determine how a nucleotide sequence is converted into amino acid sequence in the synthesis of protein.

d) Genotype: This is the genetic make-up, the information that code for all the particular characteristics of an organism. The genotype represents potential properties but not the properties themselves.

e) Phenotype: This is the actual expressed properties. For example; the organisms ability to perform a particular chemical reaction (skin colour, height, behaviour etc). Phenotype is the manifestation of genotype.

f) Genomic: This is the study of genes and their functions and related techniques. This is also the study and analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the DNA.

g) DNA: Deoxyribonuceic acid

h) RNA: Ribonucleic acid

I) Transcription: this is the synthesis of an RNA molecule from a DNA template

j) Transcription: This is the synthesis of protein from an RNA molecule containing genetic material.

k) Chromosome: Are structures containing DNA that carry hereditary information. Chromosome contain genes, they are linear and vary in size and number.

          Definitions associated with the study of genetics are too numerous to be listed, however the above listed are the basic terms that can be easily encountered in the early level study of genetics. Do you have any other genetics related term and its corresponding definition or a short note about any you'll like to share? Or an enquiry for any? Please do so in the comment box below. Thank you.