Biology Stack Exchange
Biology Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [genetics]

Genetics is the branch of biology that deals with the transmission and variation of inherited characteristics.

Genetics is the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living organisms. Subfields and derived fields include , , , , and (and questions should be tagged accordingly).

See also:

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Why is a heritability coefficient not an index of how "genetic" something is?

On his blog, Eric Turkheimer writes: [T]aken as a number, a unit of analysis, heritability coefficients are funny things to aggregate on such a massive level. What exactly are we supposed to make of the fact that twins studies in the …
user1205901 - Слава Україні
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How likely is a lack of DNA match with a distant relative?

How likely is a lack of DNA match with a distant relative? I have recently gotten interested in ancestry research and have had a DNA analysis performed by a prominent commercial provider. I've been working on my family tree for a few months now and…
carsten
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Could we detect GMO foods if there were no samples to compare with?

In my understanding, there’s nothing “special” in how a GMO product is composed inside compared to a “natural” product. I mean, still, same principles apply to both: some DNA that controls protein building, and so on. Now, having read about all…
Meglio
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Do we get 1/4 of our genes from each grandparent?

I know that we get half of our genes from each parent, but does it necessarily mean we get 1/4 of our genes from each grandparent? Or is it possible that we might get say 30% from one grandparent, 20% from other, 15% from another, 35% from another?
Frank
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Can genes change as we age?

Let's say you're a 23-year-old man who impregnates a woman. Will your genes be the same if you were to impregnate another woman at age 35? Will your genes in those 12 years have changed/mutated/become smarter?
Marin
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What do the signs +/+ +/- mean in this image?

I don't understand what this graph is supposed to explain, especially what the signs +/+ or -/- mean. I just know it characterises some rats.
Pao
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Do human cells contain only one copy of the genome?

Does each cell contain only a single copy of its genome? Or are there ever 'extra' copies present. Reason behind question: Wondering whether gene mutations could be corrected by referencing a 'backup copy'.. If such a thing exists..
user9915
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On the genetics behind caste marriages

I am in India where it is typically a custom to marry within one's caste. The caste system originated with roots in people's professions - Each of priests, carpenters, troupers, etc had a caste of their own. My question is based on the genetic basis…
Bravo
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Does one parent transmit more DNA to the offspring than the other one?

Does one parent transmit more DNA to the offspring than the other one? Or do both parents always transmit the same amount of genetic material to their offspring? In other words, can a baby be provided with a gene from the mother without an "opposite…
sarah
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Does the DNA sequence of a butterfly match that of the caterpillar it used to be?

Just had this thought occur to me. If one were to take a DNA sample(or is it RNA?) of a caterpillar before it became a chrysalis, and attempt to match the sample against one taken after the chrysalis matured to a butterfly, would the two samples…
Everyone
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What determines if an allele is dominant or recessive?

Going back to my high school days we were taught about dominant and recessive genes. We were taught how to calculate the geneotype and pheneotype of potential offspring using a small table (forgotten the actual table name). But it never occurred to…
harpalss
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Can recessive alleles be expressed?

Say I have a disease that is autosomal recessive. If one was heterozygous for this trait, could the recessive gene still be expressed? I know sickle cell anemia has a heterozygous advantage so it must be possible but what are the conditions for this…
Michael Zheng
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What makes a gene dominant or recessive

We all carry two copies of each gene (outside of male sex chromosomes). If the two differ from each other often one is dominant and one recessive. How does this mechanism work on a molecular level? What mechanism determines which gene gets…
interguru
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What do the variants on the PolyT sequence mean?

My son has been diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. I am not looking for medical advice regarding his condition, but I am very interested in understanding the genetic causes of his condition. In addition to the common CF mutation Delta F508, my son's…
Beofett
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Relative Property of Alleles

If there are three different alleles to a gene, is it possible that the first is dominant to the second, but recessive to the third?
Graviton
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