Introduction to Genes, Genome and Inheritance

Abstract

The introductory chapter introduces genes, genome, genetics and genomics in simplified manner that, irrespective of any specialty, any clinician or healthcare professional should know. In addition to core basic information on nucleic acids, structure of the gene and organisation of the whole genome, the text includes clinical examples relevant to cardiovascular medicine and surgery. Selected examples might be of interest to medical and healthcare professionals predominantly engaged with cardiovascular conditions. Emphasis is given on developing reasonable grasp of genetic or genomic factors, heritable, incidental or somatic, that is either etiologically relevant or capable of influencing the natural course of any cardiovascular disease, acting alone or in combination with environmental (infection and toxins etc.) or life style factors (nutrition and occupation etc.). The text is supported with generous illustrations, tables and boxes with key learning points.