This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Genetic principles

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The human deoxyribonucleic acid base pair code in all cells specifies the characteristics of the individual, or their phenotype. In any one human chromosome there are two genes at equivalent loci, each coding for a polypeptide. This code is divided in gametes such that offspring only receive 50% of each parent's genetic constitution, that is, inheritance is particulate. The particle randomly selected is one of the two genes at each loci. The variable selection and segregation of genes into gametes ensures that the diversity of human characteristics is maintained.

From these first principles, diseases can be classified into those resulting from defects in:

  • whole chromosomes, either in number or form
  • individual genes
  • lots of genes and/ or the environment: multifactorial

Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.