Genetics

Abstract

Starting from a young age, children’s ears are constantly filled with the information of how unique and individualistic they truly are. This motivational phrase that teachers and parents turn to when raising their children is extremely analogous to the molecular life sciences world as each organism is truly created extremely different from another. Although similarities may resonate in organ makeup and function, the genetics of each human being is infinitely different. Each human is a unique individual because of his or her genetic makeup. The variation of each organism is controlled by its genotype (genetic makeup) and phenotype (physical characterization. These terms will be further defined later in this chapter to explain their associated characteristics. This textbook chapter will examine an overview of genetics, its history, components of the science, and the process of passing on genes to one’s offspring.