WHAT IS GENETIC?

"Genetic" refers to anything related to genes, which are the basic units of heredity found within DNA. Genes contain instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all living organisms. They determine inherited characteristics—such as eye colour, height, and predisposition to certain diseases—and influence many other aspects of an organism’s biology.

In a broader sense:

1.     Genetics is the field of biology that studies genes, genetic variation, and heredity. It looks at how traits are passed down from one generation to the next and how they can vary within a species.

2.     Genetic Material (mainly DNA in humans and most organisms, and RNA in some viruses) carries the instructions coded by genes. This genetic code is read by cells to produce proteins, which are essential for all cellular functions and structures.

3.     Genetic Inheritance refers to the process by which genes and genetic traits are transmitted from parents to offspring. This inheritance pattern is the basis for familial traits and hereditary conditions.

4.     Genetic Variation is the diversity of gene variants within a population, which leads to individual differences and is essential for evolution and adaptation.

Genetics plays a significant role in understanding health, diseases, evolution, and even personalized medicine. Genetic research can help in identifying disease risks, understanding complex biological processes, and developing targeted therapies.