Genetics is hard.
That was my conclusion when I was first introduced to genetics in high school, and one I maintained throughout college.
Genetics may seem like an intimidating subject–and rightfully so–but once you get the basics down, it’s much easier to see how promising the field of genetic modification really is.
Patients suffering from genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy and sickle cell anemia will all benefit from advances in genetic research.
It’s not a matter of if, but when.
So let’s take a moment to break down the basics. There are three terms anyone talking genetics should be familiar with: DNA, genes, and chromosomes.
Scientific American did an excellent job of laying out the roles of each in the following video, so check it out when you get a minute.
Enjoy!
– J.M. Lanham