👉 Genetics, at its core, is a fascinating field that combines principles of mathematics to understand the inheritance and variation of traits within living organisms. The fundamental unit of genetic information is the gene, which consists of DNA sequences that code for proteins or RNA molecules. The inheritance patterns of these genes are governed by probability theory and combinatorics, particularly Mendelian genetics, where traits are passed from parents to offspring through alleles—different versions of the same gene. The math behind these patterns involves calculating the likelihood of specific combinations of alleles being inherited, often using Punnett squares or more complex statistical models. Additionally, population genetics employs mathematical tools like Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium to predict allele frequencies in a population over time, considering factors such as mutation, selection, and genetic drift. These mathematical frameworks help scientists decipher complex genetic interactions, predict disease risks, and understand evolutionary processes.
