13.7 Genetics

Genetics is the branch of biology that studies genes, heredity, and variation in living organisms. It encompasses on understanding of how traits are passed from parents to offspring through the transmission of genetic information fixed in DNA. It plays an essential role in various fields such as medicine, agriculture, and evolutionary biology, contributing to advancements in understanding and manipulating genetic information for practical applications.

Gene is unit of DNA that is usually located on a chromosome and that controls the development of one or more traits and is the basic unit by which genetic information is passed from parent to offspring and ultimately determines the growth and function of the organism. An organism inherits some genes from each parent and thus the parents pass on certain traits to their offspring.

13.7.1 Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering is a process that uses laboratory- based technologies to modify the DNA structure of an organism. Genetic engineering aims to alter the genes to enhance the capabilities of the organism. The principle of genetic engineering is to manipulate and modify the genetic material of an organism by adding, removing or repairing part of the genetic material (DNA) and to incorporate desirable traits. Genetic engineering aims to produce vaccines against disease, life- saving drugs, pharmaceutical development, and the treatment of disease.

13.7.2 Gene Therapy

Gene therapy is a medical technique that involves modifying or manipulating a person's genes to treat or prevent disease. It typically involves the introduction, alteration, or removal of genes within a patient's cells to correct genetic disorders, fight diseases, or improve the body's ability to fight or resist a specific condition. It does not change the DNA in all your body, it targets a single faulty cell. This method involves inserting a healthy copy of a defective gene into a patient's cells. This is often used for conditions caused by a single gene defect. In some cases, gene therapy introduces a new or modified gene into the body to help treat a disease. For example, researchers may introduce a gene that helps the body fight cancer more effectively.

Gene therapy could keep children from carrying such genes (for unfavourable genetic diseases and disorders) that the children got from their patients.