What are Genes

A gene is the basic physical and functional unit of heredity. Genes are made up of DNA. Some genes act
as instructions to make molecules called proteins. However, many genes do not code for proteins. In humans, genes
vary in size from a few hundred DNA bases to more than 2 million bases. An international research effort called the
Human Genome Project, which worked to determine the sequence of the human genome and identify the genes that it
contains, estimated that humans have between 20,000 and 25,000 genes.

Every person has two copies of each gene, one inherited from each parent. Most genes are the same in all people,
but a small number of genes (less than 1 percent of the total) are slightly different between people. Alleles are forms of
the same gene with small differences in their sequence of DNA bases. These small differences contribute to each
person’s unique physical features.

Meaning of Genetics
Genetics is the study of how genes and how traits are passed down from one generation to the next. Our genes carry
information that affects our health, our appearance, and even our personality!

Diff Between Gene and DNA

Gene DNA- Deoxyribonucleic acid

Genes are the DNA stretches which encode for DNA is a biomolecule, which contains genetic
specific proteins. information

Regulates the traits of an organism. Regulates gene regulation.

Gene is a specific sequence present on a short DNA made up of two long chains of polynucleotides
stretch of DNA. wound together

Genes are made up of either DNA or RNA. DNA is a polymer of nucleotides

A gene is located on a chromosome. DNA is located within the nucleus of the cell.

Are coded with heredity information. Encodes the genetic instructions.

Two genetic diseases

Autism
not seeming to understand what others are thinking or feeling

finding it hard to say how they feel liking a strict daily routine and getting very upset if it changes having a very keen
interest in certain subjects or activities getting very upset if you ask them to do something finding it hard to make
friends or preferring to be on their own taking things very literally – for example, they may not understand phrases like
"break a leg"

Currently, there is no medication that can cure autism or all of its symptoms. But some medications can help treat
certain symptoms associated with autism, especially certain behaviors.

Arthritis
The most common signs and symptoms of arthritis involve the joints. Depending on the type of arthritis, signs and
symptoms may include:

Pain , Stiffness , Swelling , Redness , Decreased range of motion

Joint repair. In some instances, joint surfaces can be smoothed or realigned to reduce pain and improve function.
These types of procedures can often be performed arthroscopically — through small incisions over the joint.

Joint replacement. This procedure removes the damaged joint and replaces it with an artificial one. Joints most
commonly replaced are hips and knees.

Joint fusion. This procedure is more often used for smaller joints, such as those in the wrist, ankle and fingers. It
removes the ends of the two bones in the joint and then locks those ends together until they heal into one rigid
unit.
Genetic engineering benefits

1. It allows for a faster growth rate.

Genetic engineering allows of plants or animals to be modified so their maturity can occur at a quicker pace.
Engineering can allow this maturity to occur outside of the normal growth conditions that are favorable without genetic
changes as well. Even if there is higher levels of heat or lower levels of light, it becomes possible to expand what can
be grown in those conditions.

2. It can create an extended life.

Genetic modification can help to create resistance to common forms of organism death. Pest resistance can be
included into the genetic profiles of plants so they can mature as a crop without any further additives. Animals can
have their genetic profiles modified to reduce the risks of common health concerns that may affect the breed or
species. This creates the potential for an extended lifespan for each organism.
3. Specific traits can be developed.
Plants and animals can have specific traits developed through genetic engineering that can make them more
attractive to use or consumption. Different colors can be created to produce a wider range of produce. Animals can be
modified to produce more milk, grow more muscle tissue, or produce different coats so that a wider range of fabrics
can be created.
4. New products can be created.
With genetic engineering, new products can be created by adding or combining different profiles together. One
example of this is to take a specific product, such as a potato, and alter its profile so that it can produce more nutrients
per kcal than without the genetic engineering. This makes it possible for more people to get what they need
nutritionally, even if their food access is limited, and this could potentially reduce global food insecurity.
5. Greater yields can be produced.
Genetic engineering can also change the traits of plants or animals so that they produce greater yields per plant. More
fruits can be produced per tree, which creates a greater food supply and more profits for a farmer. It also creates the
potential for using modified organisms in multiple ways because there is a greater yield available. Modified corn, for
example, can be used for specific purposes, such as animal feed, ethanol, or larger cobs for human consumption.

Genetic Research
Genetic research is the study of human DNA to find out what genes and environmental factors contribute to diseases.
If we find out what causes disease, we can better detect disease, better treat disease and hopefully even prevent
disease from happening in the first place!

Nearly every disease we know of has a genetic component. Depending on the disease, the genetic contribution may
be very large, very small, or, most often, somewhere in between. Researchers are studying nearly every disease to
find out how genetic factors may contribute. We inherit our genes from our parents. Genes tell our bodies how to
develop and function. There are about 25,000 genes that make the things our bodies need to develop and work. Each
gene is made up of DNA. DNA is a very long code that uses only 4 letters. We know that variations in this code can
alter the way a gene works. Sometimes the variation is in only one letter. This is referred to as a SNP. Most SNPs
don’t cause problems. They either contribute to the normal differences from one person to another, or have no known
effect at all. However, a small number of SNPs can alter the way the gene works and contribute to disease.
Sometimes the DNA code is altered by pieces that are missing or are extra. The missing or extra pieces may be as
small as a one letter or as large as thousands. Depending on what is missing or extra, this may also contribute to
health issues