Genetics
Study of heredity and variation in living organisms.
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.