
Genetics | History, Biology, Timeline, & Facts | Britannica
Dec 14, 2025 · Genetics forms one of the central pillars of biology and overlaps with many other areas, such as agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology. Learn more about the history, biology, areas of …
Human genetics | Description, Chromosomes, & Inheritance - Britannica
The study of human heredity occupies a central position in genetics. Much of this interest stems from a basic desire to know who humans are and why they are as they are.
Gene | Definition, Structure, Expression, & Facts | Britannica
Dec 4, 2025 · The sequence of bases along a strand of DNA determines the genetic code. When the product of a particular gene is needed, the portion of the DNA molecule that contains that gene will split.
DNA | Definition, Discovery, Function, Bases, Facts, & Structure ...
Dec 11, 2025 · Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is an organic chemical that contains genetic information and instructions for protein synthesis. It is found in most cells of every organism.
Genetics - DNA, Genetic Code, Mutations | Britannica
Dec 14, 2025 · Genetics - DNA, Genetic Code, Mutations: A major landmark was attained in 1953 when American geneticist and biophysicist James D. Watson and British biophysicists Francis Crick and …
Life - Genetics, Evolution, Biology | Britannica
Dec 13, 2025 · Fundamental to the genetic definition of life then seems to be the notion that a certain level of complexity cannot be achieved without natural selection.
Genetics - Breeding, DNA, Traits | Britannica
Dec 14, 2025 · Genetics - Breeding, DNA, Traits: Genetic techniques are used in medicine to diagnose and treat inherited human disorders. Knowledge of a family history of conditions such as cancer or …
Genetic engineering | Definition, Process, Uses, Examples, Techniques ...
Jan 16, 2026 · Genetic engineering, the artificial manipulation, modification, and recombination of DNA or other nucleic acid molecules to modify an organism. The term is generally used to refer …
Mutation | Definition, Causes, Types, & Facts | Britannica
Dec 4, 2025 · An individual offspring inherits mutations only when mutations are present in parental egg or sperm cells (germinal mutations). All of the offspring’s cells will carry the mutated DNA, which …
Evolution - Natural Selection, Adaptation, Genetics | Britannica
6 days ago · Evolution - Natural Selection, Adaptation, Genetics: The central argument of Darwin’s theory of evolution starts with the existence of hereditary variation. Experience with animal and plant …