GENETICS FOR DUMMIES

GENES......DEOXYRIBO BLAH BLAH BLAH!!

To 80% of you 'genes' is simply 'jeans' misspelled.Another 19% know of it as a complex double helix chemical chain with a really long name.The remaining 1% are genetic engineers and others who say that genes are solely responsible for all traits and characteristics seen in all life forms.

So what exactly are these genes?

Simply put genes are 'organic computer programs' . They use alternating patterns of sugars instead of alternating binary digits (i.e. 1/0)

They can be edited,manipulated,cut,copied and executed just like any computer program.

However their action is specific which means that you cannot expect to see a cat's gene to display characteristics on a fish because that is like expecting an I phone to run on Android.

Just as a computer program performs various tasks on the computer hardware,genes execute their specific functions on complex amino/protein structures which is basically any form of life.

ex: An addition program performs the task of addition on a computer similarly a gene is responsible for you looking or behaving a certain way.

Therefore, genetic code can be termed as software which runs only on one form of hardware-ALL LIFE FORMS.

and genetic engineers constantly try to bring about changes in this software which in turn brings about changes in the resultant life form.

That is why we are able to see square watermelons and pink zebras.

WHAT IS THEIR STRUCTURE?

The structure and shape of 'genes' was first discovered by two eminent scientists

JAMES.D.WATSON

and

FRANCIS CRICK

Their shape is snake like or 'double helix' to be precise.

They are chemically complex but what you need to know is that

just as a binary code consists of alternating 1's and 0's

A genetic code consists of four alternating sugars ADENINE (A), GUANINE (G), CYTOSINE(C) and THYMINE(T) between two long chains of sugars called neucleotides running in opposite directions to each other.

Within a cell genetic material is stored in the form of thread like strands called 'CHROMOSOMES'

Assuming that only humans are reading my blog....we all have 23 pairs of chromosomes that are the reason for all our traits and characteristics.

GENETIC CHANGE or MUTATIONS

Most of you may be familiar with the term mutations if you have watched X-MEN.

Mutations are changes in these genetic structures caused by external mechanical forces.

For example, The atomic bomb that exploded at Hiroshima and Nagasaki led to the birth of thousands of physically deformed children.

OBJECTIVE

Just as the objective of an addition program is to perform the task of addition.

The objective of genetic material is to ensure survival of their host cells i.e. the cells in which they reside.

which means that your genetic material ensures your survival in the environment that you live in.

We all are familiar with the phrase

'WHATEVER DOESN'T KILL YOU MAKES YOU STRONGER'

this can be attributed to the strengthening of genes to ensure our survival.

We already know that the only way to edit a gene is by the application of external mechanical force i.e.

any physical force.It can be pressure,sound etc

Therefore your mother forcing you to finish up your plate of broccoli is also a form of genetic editing to ensure your survival by strengthening your body. 

That's all we have for today! I hope you understood what I tried to convey.

If there is any concept under the sun that you do not understand, Just leave a comment on the blog and FLIPOSOPHY will ensure that you know everything you need to know about the concept in just a weeks time.

Remember that all complex buildings have simple foundations.

Your comments and queries encourage me to write more.

ADIOS AMIGOS AND KEEP LEARNING!

VIKYAT  BACHETTIRA