Definition

The study of genes and their heredity.

Discussion

Includes but is not limited to medical genetics, population genetics, cytogenetics, immunogenetics, behavioral genetics, genomics, and proteomics.

Scope and emphasis

NLM is interested in research that explores the mechanisms of gene inheritance, mutation, regulation and expression, and the applications related to human and comparative biology and the biology of disease-related organisms. Studies of population genetics and evolution that improve our understanding of human health and disease are also important.

The genetic basis of human disorders, immune response, and mechanisms of mutagenesis are of particular collecting interest, as are works on applied genetics, including genetic disease prevention, screening and counseling.

NLM collects works concerned with genetic engineering of animal species, excluding those that focus on animal culture, breeding or agronomy. Plant sequencing is acquired as a basis for the understanding of fundamental biological processes. Research on the genetic engineering of plant species is collected only when research addresses nutritional or health implications for animals, especially humans.

Special considerations

The Library's consumer information about genetic conditions and the genes or chromosomes responsible for those conditions can be found on MedlinePlus.

DNA sequencing and other molecular, genetic and structural information is available through the NCBI and other data depositories. Literature regarding the history of the Human Genome Project and other collaborative efforts is also collected.