Genetics is a complex field with lots of details to keep straight. But when you get a handle on some key terms and concepts, including the structure of DNA and the laws of inheritance, you can start putting the pieces together for a better understanding of genetics.The scientific language of geneticsFrom chromosomes to DNA to dominant and recessive alleles, learning the language of genetics is equivalent to learning the subject itself.

DNA is made up of long chains of nucleotides. To make a complete DNA molecule, single nucleotides join to make chains that come together as matched pairs and form long double strands. Each nucleotide is comprised of the following: A five-sided (pentose) sugar called deoxyribose A phosphate One of four nitrogen-rich bases: adenine, guanine, cytosine, or thymine Nucleotides are joined together by phosphodiester bonds.

Transgenic critters (genetically modified organisms) are all over the place. Animals, insects, and bacteria have all gotten in on the fun. In this article, you take a trip to the transgenic zoo to learn a little bit about the menagerie. Transgenic animals Mice were the organisms of choice in the development of transgenic methods.

One of the hottest topics these days is gene editing (also known as genome editing). Gene editing is a group of genetic engineering technologies that allow scientists to change a specific sequence within the genome. Each of these technologies involves an engineered enzyme called a nuclease, which can cut DNA, along with some kind of guide to lead the enzyme to the right place in the genome.

If genetic modification is so ubiquitous, what’s the problem with transgenic organisms? After all, humans have been at this whole genetic modification thing for centuries, right? Well, historically, humans have modified organisms by controlling matings between animals and plants with preexisting genetic compatibility, not by introducing sequences from different species.

Many milestones define the history of genetics. The events in the world of genetics are listed here roughly in order of historical occurrence. ©Nasky/Shutterstock.com The publication of Darwin’s The Origin of Species Earthquakes have aftershocks — little mini-earthquakes that rattle around after the main quake.

Genetics is a field that grows and changes with every passing day. This list shines the spotlight on ten of the hottest topics and next big things in this ever-changing scientific landscape. ©Dusan Petkovic/Shutterstock.com Direct-to-consumer genetic testing Not too long ago, genetic testing was uncommon and was reserved for visits to a geneticist, genetic counselor, or other specialized healthcare provider.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a process that can turn a single copy of a gene into more than a billion copies in just a few hours. It gives medical researchers the ability to make many copies of a gene whenever they want to genetically engineer something. For years, the very structure of DNA made studying it rather challenging.