It's all in the genes

With a basic understanding of genetics, breeding poultry for showing can be an enjoyable hobby. Paul Donovan investigates this challenging science.

- Paul Donovan

The study of heredity and how characteristics are passed from one generation to another by the means of genes, is called genetics. The founding father of this science was a biologist (who also happened to be a monk) by the name of Gregor Johann Mendel (1822 to 1884). Mendel discovered the fundamental laws of inheritance, following an eight year study of the Pea flower (Pisum sativum).

Genes influence every aspect of an organisms characteristics; from what it eats, what colour it is, its behaviour, to what it ultimately looks like. Qualities which give an individual its characteristics, are inherited from both the male and female.

Before we try and unravel the intricacies of genetics, it is important we understand a few basic terms which are inherent to understanding what genetics is all about.

• DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA is a double helix-shaped strand of coded material containing all the instructions which determine the structure and functions of every cell, as well as being responsible for passing on characteristics from parents to off-spring.

• Gene. This is a segment of DNA which carries the blueprint to control a cells physical characteristics, growth and development. It is ultimately responsible for a particular characteristic of an organism. A gene is mostly located on the same chromosome type, so each cell has two copies of a gene; these can be equal, or two different ones.