Genetics is the branch of biology that deals with the study of
heredity and variation in living organisms. It explains how traits
are transmitted from parents to offspring through genes, which
are the functional units of heredity located on chromosomes.
The science of genetics was founded by Gregor Johann Mendel,
whose experiments on pea plants established the fundamental
principles of inheritance. Today, genetics plays a crucial role in
medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, and understanding
evolution.
It has wide applications in medicine, agriculture, biotechnology,
forensic science, genetic engineering, and disease diagnosis,
making it one of the most important branches of modern
biology.
, The Cell Cycle
The cell cycle is the sequence of events through which a cell grows,
duplicates its DNA, and divides to form two genetically identical
daughter cells.
It ensures growth, repair, replacement of damaged cells, and
reproduction in organisms.
The cell cycle has two main phases:
o Interphase (95% of the cycle): Cell growth and DNA replication.
o G₁ phase: Cell grows and synthesizes proteins.
o S phase: DNA replication occurs.
o G₂ phase: Cell prepares for division.
o M Phase (Mitotic Phase): Includes mitosis (nuclear division) followed
by cytokinesis (cytoplasmic division), producing two daughter cells.
Key Point:The cell cycle is regulated by checkpoints to ensure accurate
DNA replication and proper cell division, maintaining genetic stability.