It has been calculated that all the data in the world (including every book, photograph and video) could be encoded into approximately 1kg of DNA (Extance, 2016). Each gene stores information in the form of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).ĭNA can store information in a very stable and compact form. The basic unit of inheritance in nature is the gene and genes are passed down the generations in a predictable manner. Therefore, although all children are genetically unique, they typically exhibit a mix of characteristics inherited from both parents. The resulting embryo will have received approximately half of its genetic material from the father and half from the mother. During conception, a paternal sperm cell (spermatozoon) fuses with a maternal egg cell (ovum). With the exception of identical twins, all humans are genetically unique. Click here to see other articles in this series.Scroll down to read the article or download a print-friendly PDF here.

This article has been double-blind peer reviewed.Nursing Times 114: 7, 42-45.Īuthors: John Knight and Maria Andrade, both senior lecturers in biomedical science at the College of Human Health and Science, Swansea University. It is the first article in a four-part series exploring the role of genes and chromosomes in inheritance, health and disease.Ĭitation: Knight J, Andrade M (2018) Genes and chromosomes 1: basic principles of genetics.

This article explains the nature, structure and role of genes, deoxyribonucleic acid and chromosomes, describes how chromosomes determine gender, and touches on chromosomal abnormalities. Genes are passed down the generations in a predictable manner and we receive roughly half of our genetic material from each parent.

Introduction to genetic principles pdf