Genetics
Genetics is a branch of biology that studies heredity and how certain characteristics or traits are passed from parents to offspring. The modern study of genetics began with the research of Gregor Mendel in the mid-1800s. His discoveries paved the way for today’s understanding of the role of genetics in human development and in the treatment of genetic disorders.
Expand All Guide SectionsIntroduction to Genetics
Whether you’re a parent who wants to help her child with homework, or you just want a better understanding of genetics, the Web is a great place to turn for an introduction to genetics.
Insights for an Introduction to Genetics
- As with many cutting-edge sciences, human genetics—particularly the manipulation of genes—is a controversial issue. Bear this in mind as you visit the Web sites below and consider who their sponsors are.
- A glossary of genetic terms can help you as you encounter unfamiliar words and concepts.
Top Sites for an Introduction to Genetics
Learn.Genetics
offers a “Tour of the Basics” to get you started. Loads of illustrations, podcasts, virtual labs, a genetic disorders library and more help to make genetics accessible.
ThinkQuest Library
offers an introduction to genetics that provides a bit of history on the principles of Mendelian genetics and provides links to more advanced information.
TeensHealth
has a comprehensive overview of genetics aimed at kids, though the straightforward explanations will appeal to adults, too. Learn what genes are, how they work and find out about genetic disorders.
Teaching Genetics
Get up to speed with current developments in genetics and find insights on teaching genetics with the help of the Web.
Insights for Teaching Genetics
- Some of the sites below can help you find material for your target audience by focusing on specific age ranges and media.
- Check the dates of the content on each site to make sure that you’re getting the latest information and insights on this dynamic science.
Top Sites for Teaching Genetics
The BEN Collaborative
has more than 500 resources for K-12 educators on genetics and heredity. Resources are listed in alphabetical order and are available in PDF format.
National Human Genome Research Institute
provides a wealth of educational materials about genetics and genomics. Browse the navigation bar on the left to find animated presentations, a downloadable CD entitled “Understanding the Human Genome Project,” a series of teaching modules and more.
Teach.Genetics
is specifically targeted to educators, and is currently in beta. Visit the lesson plan index and find supplemental materials on cells and epigenetics.
Genetic Disorders
More and more, medical experts are beginning to understand genetic disorders and how they manifest. Learn more about what genetics disorders are and get familiar with some of the most common genetic conditions.
Insights for Genetic Disorders
- Research into genetic disorders is in its infancy. Don’t expect to find discussions of cures for such disorders; you’re more likely to learn about potential explanations and possible treatments.
Top Sites for Genetic Disorders
Human Genome Research Institute
has an FAQ page for genetic disorders. Learn what genetic disorders are and how they are categorized.
Your Genes, Your Health
presents comprehensive information on 15 different genetic disorders, including a synopsis for each disorder, its cause, genetic link, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Genetics Home Reference
presents more than 400 genetic conditions, syndromes and diseases. Find a comprehensive overview of each, along with links to additional information.
DNA Sequencing
DNA sequencing is defined as establishing all or part of a person's exact DNA sequence. It enables you to retrieve information on genes and proteins and cross-reference them to gain a better understanding of their biological function.
Insights for DNA Sequencing
- DNA sequencing is a complex topic and not for the faint of heart. The sites below were chosen for their straightforward explanations of the process.
Top Sites for DNA Sequencing
National Human Genome Research Institute
offers a fact sheet that explains the basics of DNA sequencing and sequencing methods.
Human Genome Project
, completed in 2003, was a 13-year project that aimed to identify and sequence all the genes in human DNA. Visit the site to find out what DNA sequencing is and to learn more about the project.
PBS’s NOVA Online
presents “Cracking the Code of Life,” a program on DNA sequencing. Try the “Sequence for Yourself” animation to see how the process works.
Genetic Research
Research into the causes and potential treatments of genetic illnesses and disorders is one of the fastest growing fields in science. Learn more about genetic research and read about some of the latest genetic research studies.
Top Sites for Genetic Research
National Institutes of Health
provides a brief history of genetics research in the United States along with an overview of ethical issues, gene therapy and more.
The Humane Genome Project
presents some of the ethical, legal and social issues surrounding human genome research. Use the links provided to find more detailed information on each topic.
Genetics
is a journal published by the Genetics Society of America. The site offers free customizable e-mail alerts and RSS feeds along with abstracts and full text (ASCII or PDF) of both the 50 most-read and the 50 most-cited articles.
The American Journal of Human Genetics
presents papers on its Web site in advance of its print issue every week. Each month’s current issue is available for free online in abstract, full-text, and PDF forms, along with links to spreadsheets and corresponding data when relevant.
Genes & Development
presents research papers on a wide range of issues in molecular genetics and related fields. Access to most full-text articles in the archive requires a membership.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing can determine whether a person carries genes for inherited diseases or disorders. Discover how genetic testing is performed and how it can be used for diagnostic purposes.
Top Sites for Genetic Testing
MedlinePlus
explains what genetic testing is and provides links to specific topics such as genetic counseling and prenatal testing.
National Institutes of Health
has a fact sheet on genetic testing and how it’s used for medical purposes.
National Human Genome Research Institute
has a comprehensive overview of genetic testing that includes coverage of legislation, policy recommendations and more.
Genetics News
Keep abreast of the most recent findings in genetics news with journals, e-mail newsletters and RSS feeds.
Insights for Genetics News
- When performing research online, it’s always a good idea to check the dates of the articles linked or cited. This field is so dynamic that new insights can replace previously held views on an ever-changing basis.
- Consider whether the sponsors of a site may have a particular viewpoint or agenda they’re trying to spin.
Top Sites for Genetics News
MyWire
connects users to the latest genetics news items from around the Web. Find news, opinions, essays, photojournalism and more.
HUM-MOLGEN
provides an extensive list of annotated links to summaries of news articles on the human genetics and molecular biology. Links to abstracts are provided.
ScienceDaily
devotes some of its news coverage to gene therapy topics. Use the tabs near the top of the page to read news and articles or to see videos and images related to gene therapy.
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