genetics

genetics /ge·net·ics/ (jĕ-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

[jənet′iks]

1 the science that studies the principles and mechanics of heredity, specifically the means by which traits are passed from parents to offspring and the causes of the similarities and differences between related organisms.

2 the total genetic makeup of a particular individual, family, group, or condition. Kinds of genetics are clinical genetics, molecular genetics, and population genetics. See also cytogenetics, Mendel's laws.

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genetics [jĕ-net´iks]

the branch of biology dealing with the phenomena of heredity and the laws governing it.

biochemical genetics the study of the fundamental relationships between genes, protein, and metabolism. This involves the study of the cause of many specific heritable diseases. These include those resulting from the improper synthesis of hemoglobins and protein, such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia, both of which are hereditary anemias; some 200 inborn errors of metabolism, such as phenylketonuria and galactosemia, in which lack or alteration of a specific enzyme prohibits proper metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, or fats and thus produces pathologic symptoms; and genetically determined variations in response to certain drugs, for example, isoniazid.

clinical genetics the study of the causes and inheritance of genetic disorders. 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 mental retardation and down syndrome, and immunogenetics, or the genetic aspects of the immune response and the transmission of genetic factors from generation to generation.

Many pediatric hospital admissions involve genetic disorders. In obstetrics and neonatal medicine, prenatal diagnosis of genetic defects and improvement of pre- and perinatal conditions are a major concern. In adults, such diseases as breast cancer, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus have all been found to have predisposing genetic components that are relevant to identification of risk factors and early diagnosis.

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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.

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genetics

Genetics The study of the patterns of inheritance of specific traits, and how qualities or traits are transmitted from parents to offspring. See Behavioral genetics, Cancer genetics, Classic cytogenetics, Heredity, Inheritance, Medical genetics, Molecular cytogenetics, Pharmacogenetics, Reverse genetics, Trait, Variance.

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Patient discussion about genetics.

Q. My grandfather died of lung cancer because of smoking. what is the probability of me getting a cancerous tumor? What procedure is done to see if a tumor is malignant? Is a simple MRI enough to make that conclusion?

A. Sad.. my brother in law died from smoking, few years ago.
Regardless of family history, smoking is not exactly helthy and does contribute to lung cancer.
Even though the role of heredity in lung cancer is not as well-known, having a family history of lung cancer does increase our risk to some degree. Hereditary lung cancer is higher in women, nonsmokers and those with early onset lung cancer (lung cancer that occurs before the age of 60). Overall, it has been estimated that 1.7% of lung cancers up to the age of 68 are hereditary.

Q. What is BRCA? After her mother had breast cancer at 41, my friend was told her mother is a carrier of a mutation called BRCA1 and that my friend may also be a carries. What is that mutation? Does it mean she’ll have breast cancer also?

A. The BrCA gene is a gene which all women have. It is responsible for controlling cell growth in the body, and mutations in the gene can put women at a higher risk for breast and ovarian cancers. Many women who are diagnosed with breast cancer ask to be tested for these mutations, to help make decisions about treatment. When people talk about a BrCA test, they mean a test for mutations in the gene, not a test for cancer. When the BrCA gene functions normally, it inhibits the growth of abnormal cells in the body, acting as a tumor suppressor. Mutations in the genetic material of the gene can cause abnormal cells to develop, because the gene is not able to regulate cell division. However, not everyone with a faulty BrCA gene develops breast cancer; many women with mutated versions of the gene lead healthy, normal lives. For the full article: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-brca-gene.htm Hope this helps.

Q. Can Down syndrome occur again? A few years ago, at the age of 32 my sister gave birth to a child that was diagnosed with Down syndrome. Now, at the age of 37 she's pregnant again. Can she have another baby with Down? Does the fact she has a baby with Down means she has higher risk for a second baby with Down?

A. Yes, as far as I know your sister has a higher for another child with Down syndrome. She should informe her gynecologist about this and she may need to perform more tests during pregnancy.