Question

Discuss briefly the application of genetics in the field of eugenics, agriculture and medical science.

Answer 1

Application of Genetics:

1. Genetics and eugenics-

• Genetics has suggested certain possibilities for the improvement of existing human race by applying certain fundamental laws of heredity to it.
• The genetical branch which has its application in the improvement and betterment of mankind is called eugenics.

2. Genetics and agriculture-

• Genetics has made valuable contributions in the improvement of food and ornamental crops and domestic animals by applying selective breeding.
• Increase in yield of crop like corn and rice, improvement in flavor and size, breeding of disease resistant plants, as well as production of seedless varieties of fruits and advances in milk, egg and meat production of cattle, chickens and swine respectively have markedly benefitted the mankind.
• The so called "green revolution" and "white revolution" of to-day's India (1976-80) are the principal outcomes of application of genetical knowledge to the agriculture and animal breeding.

3. Genetics and medical science-

• Genetics has its great application in the medical science because various human diseases such as hemophilia, some types of diabetes, hemolytic icterus anemia, some types of deafness and blindness, several types of hemoglobin abnormalities, tuberculosis, heart troubles and many other psychological and pathological abnormalities have been found to have genetical bases.
• The genetical knowledge helps the doctors in quick and accurate diagnosis of heritable diseases and simplifies the process of treatment of them.

Genetics is applied in various fields such as eugenics, agriculture and medical science.