Genetics and Genomics

Genetics is the study of heredity, and how these traits are passed from one generation to the next. On the other hand, genomics studies the complete set of genes in organisms. It is concerned with the structure, function, evolution, and sequencing of genomes.

During the 19^th century, Austrian monk Gregor Mendel performed hybridisation experiments with peas, and realised the role of “factors”, later known as genes, that influenced the expression of phenotypic characteristics.

Then it came the Chromosomal Theory of inheritance (stating chromosomes as the vehicles of genetic heredity), and ultimately, the discovery of the molecular structure of DNA that granted Watson, Crick, and Wilkins their Nobel Prize in 1962.

Since then, methods and techniques have developed tremendously, and are widely used in any research lab in the areas of biology and biomedicine. The most recent breakthrough is CRISPR technology and its potential for genome editing.

This collection curates research that studies all aspects of genetics and genomics, from a basic and molecular approach, but also applied to other disciplines such as evolution and biomedicine studies.

 Potential topics include:

• Molecular Genetics: replication, transcription, translation, gene regulation.
• Genomics: genome stability, regulation, and organisation.
• Genetic engineering: recombinant DNA technology, biotechnology, gene editing.
• Evolutionary genetics
• Ecological genetics

The following collections are also available:

• Epigenetics
• Genomes
• Plant Biology
• Sensory Biology

 Collection advisors: Tania Reis (University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, USA)