Genetics Basics: Exploring DNA and Heredity

The book "Genetics Basics: Exploring DNA & Heredity" offers an engaging and comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles of genetics, tailored for students, enthusiasts, and professionals in the field of genetics. The book begins by tracing the historical milestones and key figures that have shaped the field of genetics, highlighting how the study of heredity has transformed our understanding of life. It delves into the structure and function of DNA, elucidating the double-helix model and the role of nucleotides as the blueprint of life. The principles of heredity are explored through Mendelian genetics, including dominant and recessive traits, followed by an examination of more complex genetic phenomena such as codominance, incomplete dominance, and sex-linked inheritance. The genetic code is unpacked, detailing the processes of transcription and translation that convert DNA information into functional proteins. Additionally, the book addresses gene mutations, their impact on genetic diversity, and the mechanisms of DNA repair that maintain genetic stability. The final chapters connect genetics to the cell cycle, illustrating how genetic information is accurately transmitted during cell division. Overall, this book serves as a foundational resource, demystifying the complexities of genetics and fostering a deeper appreciation for the genetic mechanisms that underpin biological diversity and inheritance.

Dr. Akansha Singh is presently working as Project Scientist in Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, India. She has also worked as Postdoctoral fellow, Mumbai University and as Associate Professor, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Parul University, India She has obtained her Ph.D. (Ag) in Genetics and Plant breeding from Banaras Hindu University in the year 2012. She has been Awarded with ICAR, senior research fellowship in 2010 to pursue PhD. She has authored numerous national and international publications in journals of repute.