Introduction to Statistical Genetics and Background in Molecular Genetics

Abstract

An understanding of the basic ideas of inheritance has been evident throughout the history of mankind, ever since the domestication of animals or the practice of farming began. The Babylonians and ancient Egyptians utilized cross pollination of crops and selection of domesticated animals for breeding, but did not develop a formal theory for the principles underlying the inheritance of traits. Later, ancient Greek philosophers developed elementary theories to explain how inheritance worked in humans, grappling unsuccessfully with the apparent paradox that inherited characteristics can sometimes differ between offspring and parents. Some diseases in humans, such as sickle cell anemia and hemophilia, have been recognized as inherited disorders for centuries and, as the science of medicine developed, so too did the recognition that many diseases are heritable.