Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) refers to small fragments of DNA shed by cancer cells into the bloodstream. It is a component of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and can be isolated through non-invasive methods such as liquid biopsies. ctDNA reflects the genetic…
Clinical Application 1. A neonate presents with severe jaundice within the first 24 hours of life. How would cord blood analysis help identify the underlying cause, such as hemolytic disease of the newborn? 2. A mother with gestational diabetes delivers…
The term genotype refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, encompassing all the hereditary information encoded in its DNA. Understanding genotypes is crucial in various fields of biology and medicine as it helps in elucidating the underlying mechanisms of…
Introduction: Ecological genetics is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field that bridges the gap between genetics and ecology. It seeks to understand how genetic variation within a population shapes an organism’s response to its environment. In this lecture, we will delve…