Genetics & Evolution


Feature Writer: Tami Port
Tami Port, MS, Tami Port

Gregor Mendel was a monk who discovered patterns of inheritance. Charles Darwin, a distractable dropout, revealed the driving force behind evolution.

Both men made these monumental discoveries without any knowledge of genetics. Now we know that genetics and evolution are a dynamic duo.

Join me in this new Suite101 topic where we’ll explore genetics, evolution and their extraordinary power to sculpt life.

The Genetics & Evolution Topic Page has links to the latest articles, blogs as well as a monthly poll question. The mothly poll features an actual test question on genetics or evolution. Scroll to the bottom of the page and test your knowledge!

Full Genetics & Evolution blog
Selfish Genes of a Human Karyotype, Sanger Institute
feature articles
Tami Port

May 9, 2008

Garden Composting How To

In: Genetics & Evolution (general)

Hesitant to start composting because you fear it will be a smelly, messy inconvenience? Read on. A compost bin can reduce your garbage bill and enrich your garden! more...

May 8, 2008

DNA Gene Mutations & Evolution

In: Genetics & Evolution (general)

A mutation is an alteration of a gene's DNA sequence that can result in changes to the protein that the mutated gene codes for. more...

May 1, 2008

Hereditary & Somatic DNA Mutations

In: Classic Genetics

There are two main categories of genetic mutation based on the type of cell they occur in. Changes to a person's DNA can be inherited or acquired after fertilization. more...

Apr 26, 2008

What Is a Genetic DNA Mutation?

In: Classic Genetics

A mutation is a rare change in a gene's DNA sequence that can result in a defective cellular protein. This article covers the basics of genetic mutation. more...

Apr 2, 2008

Genetic Disorders & DNA Sweeps

In: Human Genetics

Rapid advances in gene scanning technology have identified genes linked to cancer, arthritis, diabetes and many other diseases. more...

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feature blog
Tami Port

Apr 18, 2008

Genetics Chromosome Terminology

What do you call a duplicated chromosome? This isn't another bad science joke, but one of the many questions that relate to the jumble of genetic chromosome terms.
There is great deal of potentially confusing terminology associated with chromosomes and their number. For example, duplicated chromosomes are called 'sister chromatids' as long as they are attached, but as soon as they separate, they become 'daughter chromosomes.' And a pair of copied or replicated chromosomes are not the same as a pair of homologous chromosomes. The following articles will help you brush up on DNA lingo and detangle these and other genetic technical terms.

Articles on Chromosomes & Their Number

Ploidy - Diplod and Haploid: Chromosome Number of Somatic and Sex Cells

DNA - Duplicated and Homologues: Difference between Homologous and Replicated Chromosomes

Chromosomes & Sister Chromatids: Terms Used to Describe DNA during Cell Division

Full Genetics & Evolution blog

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