Definition

A field of biology that studies heredity and the structures in cells, especially chromosomes, that are related to inheritance.

Example

Cytogenetics plays a crucial role in understanding genetic disorders.

Conversation

I just started reading about cytogenetics for my biology class.

Oh really? That sounds interesting!

Yeah, it focuses on heredity and chromosomes, which is pretty cool.

I bet it is! Understanding genetics can explain so much about traits.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cytogenetics is formed from "cyto-" (from Greek "kytos", meaning cell) and "genetics" (from Greek "genesis", meaning origin or birth). The word refers to the study of the genetic material within cells and how it influences inheritance.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cyto-' meaning 'cell' and 'genetics' relating to 'origin' or 'birth' — this helps you remember that cytogenetics is about the genetic origins within cells.

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