transmission genetics, molecular genetics, population genetics, and quantitative genetics. Depending on whether the goal is to obtain a fundamental understanding of genetic phenomena or to exploit discoveries, genetic research is considered to be basic or applied, respectively.
1. Transmission genetics (sometimes called classical
genetics) is the subdiscipline dealing with how genes and genetic traits are transmitted from generation to
generation and how genes recombine (exchange between chromosomes). Analyzing the pattern of trait transmission in a human pedigree or in crosses of experimental organisms is an example of a transmission genetics study.
2. Molecular genetics is the subdiscipline dealing with
the molecular structure and function of genes. Analyzing the molecular events involved in the gene control of cell division, or the regulation of expression of all the genes in a genome, are examples of
molecular genetics studies. Genomic analysis is part
of molecular genetics.
3. Population genetics is the subdiscipline that studies
heredity in groups of individuals for traits that are determined by one or only a few genes. Analyzing the
frequency of a disease-causing gene in the human population is an example of a population genetics study.
4. Quantitative genetics also considers the heredity of
traits in groups of individuals, but the traits of concern are determined by many genes simultaneously. Analyzing the fruit weight and crop yield in agricultural
plants are examples of quantitative genetics studies.
