Throughout the ages, patterns of inheritance have always been studied. People have always been curious about what causes certain traits to appear in individuals. However, at the start of the 21st century, science discovered that the answers to these questions were found in every cell of the body. Genes. But what are genes really? Who are the scientists who contributed to their discovery? What are the recent advances in the field of genetics and what is the future of this field?1. The PastTo understand how genes work and even the structure of genes, it is essential to know the history of genes and past assumptions about Greek theories of hereditary. As in any other field of knowledge, Greek philosophers left their mark on the history of genetics. Pythagoras proposed that the male parent provides the material that determines inherited traits; however, Empodocles stated that both parents played an equal role in passing on genes since many children possessed the same traits as their mothers. The father of medicine, Hippocrates, put forward the theory of pangenesis. He believed that different parts of the body produced traits that were transferred at conception. Aristotle refuted the theory of pangenesis by presenting evidence that parents who lost limbs often produced healthy offspring. In addition to this, Aristotle was the first to propose the idea that traits were not affected by external circumstances, moods, or elements (Freedman 10-13).Rebirth. As may be known, the Renaissance was a period between the 1400s and 1700s during which great scientific advancements took place. The invention of basic tools and the revelation of how to use them effectively also... middle of article ......them Join DNA and RNA in the genetic catalog. " Science News December 29, 2012: 24. Reference for Educators Completed. Web, November 12, 2013. Document URL. Freedman, Jeri. How We Know Genetics and Heredity, New York: Rosen Pub Group, 2005. Print . Marshall, Elizabeth L. The Human Genome Project: Cracking the Code in Us. New York: F. Watts, 1996. Print. The Economist October 27, 2012: 14 (United States). Comprehensive reference for educators. Web. November 12, 2013. Ritter, Malcolm. “Could prenatal DNA testing open Pandora’s box?.” Newsday. June 12, 2011: Np SIRS Researcher on the issues. Web, November 14, 2013. Sepkowitz, Kent. “The Inner Life of Cells,” Newsweek, September 17, 2012: 8. Reference for Educators, November 12, 2013. Stein, Rob. Debate over DNA testing. " Washington Post. August 1, 2011: A.1. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. November 14 2013.