Related Terms

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Background

• Genetics is the scientific study of how specific traits and physical characteristic are passed down from parents to their children. This is also known as heredity.
• In the mid-1800s, a monk named Gregor Mendel selectively cross-bred the common pea plant (Pisum sativum) to learn more about heredity. He bred plants that were homozygous for different pea colors. This means each plant contained two identical alleles, which are variations of a single gene. Each gene contains two alleles because one is inherited from each parent.
• For example, a red pea plant (expressing two dominant RR alleles) and a white pea plant (expressing two recessive ww alleles) were bred to produce offspring. The genes of the first group of offspring were heterozygous. This means the plants inherited two different alleles (Rw) for the single gene that expresses color.
• Genotype refers to the individual's genetic makeup. Phenotype refers to the physical characteristics or traits that an individual expresses.
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Mendel's Principles

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Basic Genetics

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Genetic Disorders and Diseases

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Genetic Testing

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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