Genetics

Study of heredity and variation in living organisms.

Advanced Topics

Molecular Genetics

Inside the Cell

Molecular genetics studies how genes are copied, read, and used in living cells.

  • Replication: DNA makes a copy of itself before a cell divides.
  • Transcription: DNA is used to make messenger RNA (mRNA).
  • Translation: mRNA is used to build proteins.

The Central Dogma

The flow of genetic information is often summarized as:

\[ \text{DNA} \rightarrow \text{RNA} \rightarrow \text{Protein} \]

Why Does This Matter?

Knowing how genes work at a molecular level helps us understand diseases, develop new medicines, and engineer better crops.

Genetic Engineering

Scientists can now edit genes using tools like CRISPR, opening up amazing possibilities—and important ethical questions!

Key Formula

\[\text{DNA} \rightarrow \text{RNA} \rightarrow \text{Protein}\]

Examples

  • Using CRISPR to correct a genetic mutation in lab mice.

  • Sickle-cell anemia is caused by a tiny change in the DNA code for hemoglobin.

In a Nutshell

Molecular genetics explains how genetic information is copied and used within cells.

Key Terms

Transcription
The process of copying DNA into RNA.
Translation
The process by which cells make proteins from RNA.
CRISPR
A powerful tool for editing genes.
Molecular Genetics - Genetics Content | Practice Hub