genetica

Genetica, also known as genetics, is the branch of biology that studies genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living organisms. It seeks to understand how traits are passed from parents to offspring and how genetic and environmental factors shape organisms. Genes, the basic units of heredity, reside on chromosomes and are made of DNA. Gene expression converts genetic information into functional products such as proteins and RNA, influencing phenotype.

The field covers a spectrum of approaches, from classical genetics, which analyzes inheritance patterns through breeding experiments, to modern genomics and population genetics. Key concepts include alleles, genotype, phenotype, Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, and genome organization. Advances in sequencing and gene-editing technologies, such as CRISPR, have expanded capabilities for studying and manipulating genes. Epigenetics studies heritable changes in gene activity not caused by DNA sequence changes.

Applications are broad. In medicine, genetics informs diagnosis, risk assessment, and targeted therapies, including pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine. In agriculture, genetic improvement enhances crop yields and disease resistance. In research and conservation, genetics helps track biodiversity and manage populations. Forensics, ancestry, and evolutionary studies also rely on genetic data. Ethical, legal, and social considerations—such as privacy, consent, and potential discrimination—are integral to the discipline.