Genetics

genetics /ge·net·ics/ (je-net´iks) the study of heredity.

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biochemical genetics  the science concerned with the chemical and physical nature of genes and the mechanism by which they control the development and maintenance of the organism.

clinical genetics  the study of genetic factors influencing the occurrence of a pathologic condition.

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ge·net·ics (j-ntks)

n.

The branch of biology that deals with heredity, especially the mechanisms of hereditary transmission and the variation of inherited traits among similar or related organisms.

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Genetics

The study of hereditary traits passed on through the genes.

Mentioned in: Gene Therapy

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genetics,

n branch of scientific study concerned with heredity and the causes of variance between related organisms.

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genetics,

n the science that deals with the origin of the characteristics of an individual.

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genetics

the branch of biology dealing with the phenomena of heredity and the laws governing it. Expressed in other definitions, e.g. population genetics.

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biochemical genetics

the science concerned with the chemical and physical nature of genes and the mechanism by which they control the development and maintenance of the organism.

The field of biochemical or molecular genetics is relatively new and is increasingly used to define the cause of many inherited diseases. These diseases usually result from defective protein synthesis, such as hemophilia A and immunodeficiency, and more than 200 so-called 'inborn errors' of metabolism identified thus far in animals, such as mannosidosis and galactosemia, in which lack or alteration of a specific enzyme prohibits proper metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins or fats and thus produces clinical signs.

clinical genetics

the study of the possible genetic factors influencing the occurrence of a pathological condition. In addition to the diseases mentioned under biochemical genetics, other aspects of clinical genetics include the study of chromosomal aberrations, such as those that cause testicular hypoplasia, and immunogenetics, or the genetic aspects of the immune response and the transmission of genetic factors from generation to generation.

molecular genetics

the study of the molecular structure of genes, involving DNA and RNA. See also deoxyribonucleic acid.