THE HEALTHCARE TIMES

  *Introduction - Imagine a library where every book contains the instructions for building and maintaining a unique individual. In the microscopic world of cells, chromosomes are those books—tightly coiled bundles of DNA that hold the genetic code for life. These thread-like structures, found in the nucleus of nearly every cell, are the reason you have your mother’s eyes or your father’s height. They carry the information that makes you, well, you . Chromosomes are more than just carriers of traits; they’re essential for cell division, growth, and the continuity of life itself. From determining gender to influencing susceptibility to diseases, chromosomes play a pivotal role in biology. This article delves into the fascinating world of chromosomes, exploring their structure, function, types, and the profound impact they have on health and heredity. What Are Chromosomes? At their core, chromosomes are made up of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), the molecule that encodes genetic...

  Introduction - Genetics is the branch of biology that studies genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms. At its core lies the understanding of how traits are transmitted from parents to offspring, how genetic information is encoded, expressed, and regulated, and how genetic diversity arises across populations and species. From the discovery of DNA’s double helix to the latest CRISPR genome-editing tools, genetics has revolutionized medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, and our very perception of life. 1. Historical Milestones Pre-Mendelian Observations (Ancient–17th Century): Early breeders of plants and animals noted that offspring often resembled their parents, yet patterns were not formally studied. Gregor Mendel (1822–1884): In 1865, Mendel published his experiments on pea plants, revealing particulate inheritance and formulating the laws of segregation and independent assortment. Mendel’s work went largely un...