Genetics in relation to other Sciences

Science of genetics has occupied a key among modern sciences. Its field of study extends from molecular to population levels. It exhibits either direct or indirect relationship with many branches of science; 

1.      Genetics and cytology (Cytogenetics)

The hereditary units or genes are formed of DNA. These are integral part of chromosomes. The chromosomes are contained in the nucleus. The nuclei of germ cells are the only bridges between successive generations. Therefore, our knowledge of structure of nucleus, nuclear components and finally the structure and properties of nucleic acids has helped in understanding the physical and physiochemical aspects of heredity. The two sciences (cytology and genetics) are so closely associated that they jointly constitute ‘Cytogenetics’.

2.      Genetics and Biochemistry (Biochemical Genetics)

The chemistry of chromosomes, genes and nucleic acids and the chemistry of various processes related to them are studied with the help of biochemistry.

3.      Genetics and Physiology (Physiological Genetics)

Genetics helps in explaining some very important physiological characteristics, like blood groups, Rh factor, alkaptoneuria, sex-determination and sex-differentiation etc. Some physiological abnormalities like sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, colour blindness etc. can be explain with the aid of genetics knowledge.

4.      Genetics and Medicines (Clinical Genetics)

Genetics has also helped in finding out the root cause of certain diseases like hemophilia, diabetes, colour blindness, erythroblastosis foetalis etc. All these diseases are caused on account of defective genotype. Moreover, serology and blood transfusion are two most important fields, where genetics has directly assisted physiology and helped in saving life of innumerable persons.

5.      Genetics and Physics (Radiation Genetics)

The study of effect of radiations on genes and the change in their expression is being studied widely.

6.      Genetics and Embryology (Developmental Genetics)

The most important phenomenon of embryology i.e. the development of a complicated body organization from a single cell-zygote with the differentiation of various organs, structures and characters in a definite direction must be controlled in all essentials by the genotype of the zygote. Therefore, the science of genetics and embryology are closely linked. As a matter of fact, biochemical, physiological and embryological genetics cannot be isolated from one another.

7.      Genetics and Bacteriology ( Microbial Genetics)

Bacteriology has proved a boon for the study of a number of genetics problems. Major studies on the genetic material (genes and chromosomes) have been conducted on bacteria and viruses. This has unfoldedseveral doubts.

Fig of Branches of GENETICS

8.      Genetics and Evolution

The ‘Mutation theory’, ‘Causes of variation in a Mendelian Population’ and ‘Origin of New species’ are well illustrated by genetic knowledge. Population Genetics is the most widely studied to illustrated the phenomenon of evolution.

9.      Genetics and Psychology (Behavioral Genetics)

Several mental characters like idiocy, intelligence, talent etc. are inheritable. Study of these characters has been named ‘Behavioral Genetics’. It naturally establishes a link between Genetics and Psychology.

10.  Genetics and Agriculture (Plant Breeding)

Knowledge and techniques of Genetics are employed for the improvement of plants yielding cereals. By cross breeding, geneticists have tried to obtain such strains of crop plants which have better yield or are more resistant to diseases or have more nourishing value.

11.  Genetics and Animal Breeding ( Animal Genetics)

Artificial insemination has been tried in animals also to obtain genetically superior strains of game animals (like horse, pigeons etc.) or the milk producing animals (like cow, buffalo)

12.  Genetics and Statistics ( Biometric Genetics)

Statistics has furnished important and indispensable tool to genetic researches.

13.  Genetics and Human Ecology

The study of bacterial and viral genetics has helped P.H.E. (Public Health and Engineering Dept) to unlock several problems of human health and hygiene. It has, therefore, helped in improving ecological environment of human beings.

14.  Genetics and Taxonomy

Genetics has helped in solving a number of taxonomic controversies either by tracing chromosomal relationship or by interbreeding relationships. The recent definition of species has genetic approach.

15.  Genetics and Eugenics

                        Genetically studies are being utilized for the betterment of human race. 

                      

Authored & Published by

  Raj Abhisek Panda