Genetics is the science of heredity and variation. We inherit traits from our parents – these basic units of inheritance are called genes. Sometimes, these ‘genes’ are not passed on in the proper form which can lead to ‘genetic abnormalities’ in the individual. Although some couples are at higher risk than others, any individual can be affected by a ‘genetic abnormality’. Our Geneticists offer counselling to such couples who are at ‘increased risk’ and help in making post and prenatal diagnosis.

BFMC established the first of its kind “Combined Fetal-Genetics Clinic” in 2008, which has been running successfully and helped over 1000 couples. This has benefited several parents not only in Bangalore but across India and abroad.

It is the study of how living things receive common traits from previous generations. For example, children usually look like their parents because they have inherited their parents’ genes. Genetics tries to identify which traits are inherited and explain how these traits are passed from generation to generation.
Chromosomes are like walls in a room and genes are like bricks in the walls which are made up of genetic material. Most cells have 23 pairs of chromosomes for a total of 46 chromosomes. Sperm and egg cells each have 23 chromosomes. During fertilization, when the egg and sperm join, the two sets of chromosomes come together. In this way, one half of a baby’s
genes come from the baby’s mother and one half come from the baby’s father. Genes constitute a segment of DNA that contains instructions for the development of a person’s physical traits and control of the processes in the body. They are the basic units of heredity and can be passed down from parent to offspring.

Mutations are random changes in genes.