(3) How Do Scientists Study Genes? - Molecular genetics - Molecular makeup of genes and gene products - Function of genes Population genetics Dynamics of populations Interactions with environments that result in changing gene frequencies over generations __ Molecular Genetics : sample tools and applications Recombinant DNA technology - DNA fragments are linked to self-replicating vectors to create recombinant DNA molecules, which are replicated in a host cell Gene therapy - Normal genes are transplanted into humans with defective copies to treat genetic diseases __ Applied Biotechnologies Medicine - Vaccines Customized proteins for treating disease Agriculture - Increased crop yields - Lower fat content Disease-resistant crops

Scientists study genes using various methods, including molecular genetics and population genetics. Molecular genetics focuses on the molecular makeup of genes and gene products, as well as the function of genes. Population genetics, on the other hand, examines the dynamics of populations and how interactions with environments result in changing gene frequencies over generations.<br /><br />In molecular genetics, scientists use tools such as recombinant DNA technology to study genes. This involves linking DNA fragments to self-replicating vectors to create recombinant DNA molecules, which are then replicated in a host cell. Gene therapy is another application of molecular genetics, where normal genes are transplanted into humans with defective copies to treat genetic diseases.<br /><br />Population genetics involves studying the dynamics of populations and how interactions with environments lead to changes in gene frequencies over generations. This field helps scientists understand how genes are inherited, how they spread through populations, and how they can be influenced by environmental factors.<br /><br />Overall, scientists use a combination of molecular genetics and population genetics to study genes, understand their functions, and investigate how they contribute to the dynamics of populations.