RCN Learn logo
Sign up

Biological basis of child health 1: understanding the cell and genetics

Last Reviewed: 27/08/2024
bioligical basis for health

Resource

Exclusive quality-assured RCN learning resource

Available to RCNi Plus subscribers

Applicable for any nurse with an RCNi subscription

This article is the first of a series that outlines the fundamental aspects of the biological basis of child health. Cells and genes are the basic units of life. Therefore, it is essential that nurses have knowledge of how cells function to understand normal physiology and pathophysiology, and how specific conditions are inherited.

This article describes the components of the human cell, detailing their structure and function. It also discusses genetics, providing examples of inherited diseases including those caused by mutations that affect specific components of the cell. The aim is to provide children’s nurses with an accessible introduction to cell biology and genetics linked to their clinical practice.

Who is this resource for?

Explains what the component is for

This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.

Why you should read this article

to improve your knowledge of the fundamentals of cell division and genetics

to understand how errors during deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) replication can cause mutations in genes

to learn the laws of inheritance and how genes are passed from parents to offspring.

Authors

Kate Davies

Senior Lecturer in non-medical Prescribing - London South Bank University and honorary research fellow in paediatric endocrinology, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, England

Eirini Meimaridou

Reader - School of Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, London, England

Acknowledgements

The RCN delivers quality-assured and up-to-date resources for the nursing workforce. Reviewed annually, RCN Learn resources meet the RCN Nine Quality Standards.

Related courses and resources

Download Content Date

PDF Created On: 19 Feb 2025.
Downloaded from https://uatlearnamber.rcn.org.uk/Search/e1047-Biological-basis-of-child-health-1-understan.
Download Terms
Last Reviewed: 27/08/2024