Key Concepts in Genetics

1. What is Genetics?

   • Genetics is the study of how traits are passed down from parents to their children.
   • It looks at how living things are different from one another because of their genes.

2. Why Genetics is Important in Biology:

   • Building Block of Biology: About 95% of research in biology relies on what we know about genetics.
   • Uses in Medicine: Around 10% of human diseases are linked to genes. This shows why understanding genetics is important for health.

3. Important Terms:

   • Gene: A part of DNA that determines a trait. Humans have about 20,000-25,000 genes.
   • Allele: Different versions of a gene. They help explain why people and animals can look different.
   • Genotype: The genetic makeup of a person or organism.
   • Phenotype: The visible traits, like eye color or height, that come from the genotype.

Knowing these basic ideas is very important if you want to study biology or related subjects.