What is a gene?
A gene is a certain sequence of nucleotides of deoxyribonucleic acid, in which genetic information is encoded (information regarding the primary structure of protein molecules). The DNA molecule is double stranded. Each of the chains carries a specific sequence of nucleotides. The primary structure of a protein, which is the number and sequence of amino acids, plays a decisive role in hereditary traits. In order for the encoded information to be read correctly and regularly, a gene must have an initiation codon, a termination codon, and sense codons that directly encode the necessary amino acid sequence. Codons are three consecutive nucleotides that code for a specific amino acid. The codons UAA, UAG, UGA are empty and do not code for any of the existing amino acids; when they are read, the replication process stops. The remaining codons (in61 pieces) code for amino acids.
Separate dominant and recessive genes. A dominant gene is a sequence of nucleotides that ensures the manifestation of a particular trait (regardless of which type of gene is in the same pair (meaning a recessive or dominant gene)). A recessive gene is a sequence of nucleotides in which the manifestation of a trait in the phenotype is possible only if the same recessive gene is present in a pair.
Such information carries only genetic data that can be passed down from generation to generation. However, the manifestation of one or another trait depends only on the variants of the combination of genes. If there is a recessive and dominant gene in the pair, then the property encoded by the dominant one will phenotypically manifest itself. And only in the case of a combination of two recessive genes, their information appears. That is, the dominant gene suppresses the recessive one.
Where do genes come from?
The information that our genes carry comes from our ancestors. These include not only parents, but also grandparents and other blood relatives. An individual set of genes is formed by the fusion of a spermatozoon and an egg, or rather, by the fusion of X and Y chromosomes, or two X chromosomes. Both the X and Y chromosomes can bring information from the father, while only the X chromosome can bring information from the mother.
It is known that the X chromosome contains more information, so women are more resistant to diseasesdifferent nature than the male population. In theory, the number of newborn boys and girls should be equal, but in practice boys are born. As a result, based on these two facts, there is a balancing of the two sexes. The higher birth rate of the male population is offset by the greater resistance to various kinds of influences characteristic of women.
Gene engineering
Currently, an intensive study of genetic material is underway. Methods for isolation, cloning and hybridization of individual genes have been developed. This is the most important step in creating the future. Such close attention to this issue provoked many hypotheses and hopes. After all, a detailed study can allow humanity to plan the properties and characteristics of the future generation, avoid many diseases and grow organs and their systems for transplantation.
