CMGP

We often hear the word genetics when we think of what biological features have been given to us from our parents or grandparents. Genetics refer to the inheritance of features that are passed down through generations. As this goes through various generations various chromosomes continue to be passed down, making it a highly documented area.

By understanding genetics people can get a better understanding as to the make-up of the human body as well as ensuring that there is a way of treating or checking for hereditary conditions – disease, conditions or illnesses that might be passed down from a parent to a child. Medical genetics may consider how to diagnose and treat the mentioned idea of hereditary disorders.

The study of genetics is strongly linked to the study of DNA, the molecules that carry genetic information, with DNA found in every living creature on Earth. Parts of DNA are the hereditary traits that will determine how the organism turns out. Aspects that could be affected are far reaching, with issues such as eye colour and other forms of physical appearance, though there are certain behavioural areas that can also be linked to genetics.

In terms of behavioural genetics, there are various fields that look into behavioural traits that are passed down through generations with subsections that are also known as psychiatric genetics. Conditions that are often considered as behavioural include bipolar disorder and alcoholism, as well as conditions such as schizophrenia. Academics in behavioural genetics will also look at children and the way in which parenting style may affect the behaviour of a child.

Scientists could also look into areas such as intelligence, in an area known as Heritability of IQ. This is actually controversial area of genetics that aims to consider the link between IQ and genetics.

A well known area in Genetics in the UK is the Centre for Medical Genetics and Policy at Cambridge University. Their aim is to carry out academic research into the field of medical genetics and policy.

Due to bodies such as these, the human race can gain a greater understanding in the field of genetics so that in the future we may use it to gain a better understanding of who we are and where we are going. It makes it a highly important area of research.