Genes are the working parts of DNA – the vast chemical database that forms the blueprint for humans, animals, plants, insects and bacteria. Both humans and microscopic worms have about 19,000 genes (only about a QUARTER the number of people at a Man. U. match!).We share about:
- 98% of our genes with an ape
- 80% with a mouse
- 50% with a fruitfly
- 20% with a tiny worm
Genetics is the study of genes and the chromosomes that house them:
- How do genes work?
- How do mistakes in genes cause disease?
- How are they passed on from generation to generation
- How can genes be changed?
- How can genes be added to an animal or a plant?
- What job does each gene in a human have?
Genetics in the real world:
- Diagnoses and treats disease
- Improves crops to feed the world’s population
- Develops new drugs and therapies
- Conserves endangered species
- Preserves our environment
Adapted and modified from The Genetics Society UK
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