Genetics - GCSE History Definition

In GCSE History, genetics means the study of how illnesses and traits are passed down from parents to children. It helps explain why some diseases run in families. In the 20th century, scientists learned more about DNA and genes, especially after Watson and Crick discovered the structure of DNA in 1953. This was a major breakthrough in the history of medicine, because it helped doctors understand the causes of inherited diseases and start developing new treatments. Studying genetics helps GCSE students understand how scientific discoveries have changed medical knowledge, especially in the modern period, and how this has led to better ways of diagnosing and preventing illness.