At any given moment, there are tens of thousands of students around the world who are looking to understand how genetics impacts their own lives. Genomics and genomics-related fields like genetics and molecular genetics have only grown more popular in recent years, with the advent of the Internet and the extent of our interconnectedness. In fact, there are now so many people interested in learning about their inherited traits that colleges and universities are struggling to keep up with new student demand. As a result, many science departments have begun offering specialized courses on topics such as human genetics and population genetics.
These classes often require students to take difficult intro-level courses such as Genetics 101 and Genetics 102, which can be challenging for those looking to learn from experts rather than memorize facts for a test or project. But even if you're not interested in minoring in bioengineering or cell biology, taking a General Chemistry or genetics course can help you stand out among your peers and maybe even earn you some extra credit at school.
What is a chromosome?
A chromosome is the genetic material that makes up your body and the driving force behind all your traits. Some species (including humans) have two sex chromosomes, which are referred to as X and Y. Other animals have one or two sex chromosomes, which are referred to as a.
Other species may have a mix of both sex and autosomes (self-made chromosomes). Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, which are called autosomes and sex chromosomes. The X and Y chromosomes also contain a small portion of DNA from the marsupial species Macaca mulatta and mice, respectively, which means that you inherit those traits from both parents.
The structure of a human chromosome can be observed by looking at the structure of a regular human cell. Like most cells in the body, a human egg cell has a large nucleus held in a dense cytoplasm. The chromosome, which is actually just a long stretch of DNA, is located outside the cell nucleus and is called the visible chromosome. Inside the egg cell, however, is a smaller version of the visible chromosome called the nidation chromosome.
The nidation chromosome is connected to the visible chromosome by a special marker called a centromere. All of the chromosomes in an egg cell have the same structure, with 3 large DNA molecules and a series of smaller molecules called histones around them. A human cell also has a small structure called a spindle that helps the cell to correctly align itself during cell division.
How to read a human chromosome
To begin to read a human chromosome, you will begin by looking at it from the outside. When a sperm fertilizes an egg, the sperm releases an egg-specific protein that binds to the specific nucleotide sequence on the visible human chromosome and causes it to become visible to the naked eye. Then, as the sperm swims towards the uterus, it releases an irritant that causes the breakdown of the female eggshell and releases the fetus into the uterine cavities.
The uterine walls contract, pushing the fetus and egg out of the uterus. The spermatozoon then swims back to sea and fertilizes an existing egg cell once more. From this process, the spermatozoon gains fresh DNA from the egg and the placenta. The fertilized egg then grows into a fetus.
Human Genetics: The Basics
Human Genome Project sequencing completed in 2003 revealed that the human genetic code is deeply rooted in evolution. The two most common human mitochondrial DNA lineages are found in Africa and Asia, while the most common Y-chromosomal lineage is found in Europe and North America.
The majority of our genome is held together by small molecular weight proteins called nucleic acids. Humans have a highly repetitive DNA sequence that consists of many short chunks called genes. The human genome is made up of approximately three billion DNA bases. Each gene contains within it a series of DNA instructions which are carried on little chemicals known as amino acids.
The human population is made up of many different ethnic groups around the world. Most ethnic groups have a similar history, similar languages, and similar customs. The genetic makeup of these groups is similar because they intermarry often and have children often. This kind of cultural exchange can produce a large number of unique genetic varianties.
Because of this, population genetics can help us understand how populations are bred together and how that affects the genetic makeup of the group as a whole.
Genomics and Bioinformatics: Learning the Layers
The human genome has been mapped out like a book, with each page representing a single gene. However, the genetic code is actually much more complex and high-level than that. Like any good novel, the message is hidden in the nuanced language and the interwoven storylines.
The genetic code is actually made up of two separate storylines, both of which are told through DNA. The first storyline is the protein-coding portion which tells us what amino acids are found at which locations in the protein and how they are connected. The second storyline is the genes-for-extra-credtable-tricks portion which tells us which specific DNA segments are connected to which amino acid and are therefore used to make a protein.
There are many dimensions to being human, and studying genetics can help you understand yourself better by looking at your family history. A genealogical history can also help you understand your own family's history, and your own family's history can help you understand other families in your neighborhood, your town, and across the country. In all likelihood, your local genealogical society will be more than happy to share their records with a prospective researcher.
Your genealogical knowledge will grow as you take more classes, and the concepts you learn will help you examine your own family's history and that of your relatives with whom you share a surname. If you want to take your knowledge to the next level, take a genetics course at a university. You'll be glad you did.
(1). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK26818/
(2). https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/the-use-of-animal-models-in-studying-855/
(3). https://undergrad.genetics.iastate.edu/why-study-genetics
(4). https://www.gen.cam.ac.uk/undergraduate/whygenetics
(5). https://nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/genetics.aspx