Language
Country/Area
No result found
Mendel's amazing experiment: Why peas can change genetics?
In the research fields of genetics and molecular biology, genetic analysis is a comprehensive process covering many application techniques. These studies not only help identify genes and their associated genetic diseases, but are also an important cornerstone of scientific progress. The basic system of genetic analysis revolves around the concepts of general genetics, and this research has continued for centuries, from large-scale physical observations to microscopic cellular analysis.
The purpose of genetic analysis is to identify genetic disorders and perform differential diagnosis in certain somatic diseases.
Genetic analysis has been widely used to detect diseases such as cancer, including mutations, gene fusions and DNA copy number changes, and these studies have a history dating back to prehistoric times. Early humans discovered the technique of selective breeding to increase productivity by improving crops and animals.
Mendel’s research
The beginning of modern genetic analysis can be traced back to the mid-19th century, when scientist Gregor Mendel began his experiments with peas. Known as the "Father of Modern Genetics," he grew and tested approximately 29,000 pea plants between 1856 and 1863. Through these experiments, Mendel discovered the genetic laws of genes, and thus proposed the law of separation and the law of independent distribution.
These findings reveal how genetic traits are passed from parents to children, and how these traits can vary between offspring.
Types of genetic analysis
Gene analysis includes a variety of molecular techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time RT-PCR, DNA sequencing and DNA microarray technology. These techniques allow scientists to deeply analyze genome structure and its function.
DNA sequencing
DNA sequencing is an important process for genetic analysis applications. This process can determine the sequence of nucleotides. Each DNA molecule is composed of adenine, guanosine, cytosine and thymine. Scientists first discovered this process in the 1970s, providing new understanding of genetic traits and certain behavioral patterns.
With the development of DNA sequencing technology, rapid and large-scale sequencing of genomes and transcriptomes has become possible, which has become indispensable for biological research and application fields.
Cytogenetics
Cytogenetics focuses on the study of cell structure and function, especially the composition of chromosomes. Polymerase chain reaction technology plays an important role in this field, helping in the careful analysis of cellular chromosomes and the diagnosis of abnormalities.
DNA microarray
DNA microarray is a collection of a large number of tiny DNA spots attached to a solid surface. Scientists use microarrays to measure the expression levels of a large number of genes simultaneously. This technology enables efficient and rapid measurement of gene expression.
PCR technology
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a biochemical technology that can amplify a single or small number of copies of DNA to tens of millions of copies in a short time. It is widely used in many medical and biological research fields. This makes it one of the indispensable technologies in research such as detecting genetic diseases, forensic medicine and infectious diseases.
Application fields
The utility of genetic analysis lies in its many applications in modern medicine, particularly advances in cancer research. By identifying genes that function abnormally in cancer cells, doctors can provide more precise diagnosis and treatment options.
These studies not only improved our understanding of genetic mutations, gene fusions, and DNA copy number changes, but also led to the birth of new scientific fields, such as reverse genetics and gene linkage research.
Whether it is in gene identification or disease diagnosis, genetic analysis continues to promote scientific progress. As this field continues to deepen, how will people in the future use these technologies to further change our lives and health?
