Jessica Rockowitz
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The basics
The human body is made up of around 50 trillion cells, each of which has a unique task. In the middle of most cells, there is a cell nucleus that contains chromosomes. Chromosomes store DNA just as the cloud stores photos. Each chromosome consists of genes, small stretches of DNA that contain a code and tell the cell what to do.
The genetic code is something like the recipe that tells our body how it should function.
It controls cellular differentiation — it tells cells whether they should become muscles, bones or blood, for example. Our genomic blueprint controls every function of our bodies, including how we digest, absorb, and utilize nutrients.
A glimpse into DNA
The gene is the basic unit of heredity, which is passed on from generation to generation through our chromosomes. We receive 23 chromosomes from each of our biological parents, i.e. a total of 46. On average, each chromosome contains more than 1,000 genes.
Genes consist of DNA (deoxyribo nucleic acid). If the genetic code were a recipe, then the DNA molecules would be the ingredients. DNA consists of a series of letters — A, T, G, C — which all stand for molecules (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine) that combine in groups of two to form base pairs. The genetic code of a human being consists of 3.2 billion base pairs. That's a lot of combinations!
How genetic variants come into being
In order to grow, our cells divide and copy themselves to form more cells. Like everything else, the DNA copying process is not perfect, and sometimes errors can occur — such as an A at the point where a T should actually be. The body has built-in mechanisms to catch and correct these mistakes, but occasionally a genetic variant gets through.
While most genetic variants are harmless, some can have profound health effects, such as an increased risk of heart attack, triggering asthma and allergies, or lactose intolerance.
That is why it is so important that we know about our individual genetics.
References
Publiziert
19.3.2024
Kategorie
Science
Scientific Terms
Genome
The entire DNA sequence of an organism or virus. The genome is essentially a huge set of instructions for making the individual parts of a cell and for controlling the entire process.
Genomics
The study of the genome, the entire DNA of a particular organism. It includes the DNA sequence of a genome, the organization and control of genes, the molecules that interact with DNA, and how these various components influence cell growth and function.
DNA
Abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that encodes the information that a cell needs to function or a virus needs to replicate. Forms a double helix that resembles a twisted ladder, similar to a zipper. The bases, abbreviated as A, C, T, and G, are on either side of the ladder or strand that run in opposite directions. The bases exert an attraction on each other so that A sticks to T and C to G. The sequence of these letters is known as the genetic code.
Cell
The basic unit of life. The number of cells in a living organism ranges from one (e.g. in yeast) to quadrillion (e.g. in a blue whale). A cell consists of four important macromolecules that enable it to function: proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. Cells can build and break down molecules, move, grow, divide and die, among other things.
The basics
The human body is made up of around 50 trillion cells, each of which has a unique task. In the middle of most cells, there is a cell nucleus that contains chromosomes. Chromosomes store DNA just as the cloud stores photos. Each chromosome consists of genes, small stretches of DNA that contain a code and tell the cell what to do.
The genetic code is something like the recipe that tells our body how it should function.
It controls cellular differentiation — it tells cells whether they should become muscles, bones or blood, for example. Our genomic blueprint controls every function of our bodies, including how we digest, absorb, and utilize nutrients.
A glimpse into DNA
The gene is the basic unit of heredity, which is passed on from generation to generation through our chromosomes. We receive 23 chromosomes from each of our biological parents, i.e. a total of 46. On average, each chromosome contains more than 1,000 genes.
Genes consist of DNA (deoxyribo nucleic acid). If the genetic code were a recipe, then the DNA molecules would be the ingredients. DNA consists of a series of letters — A, T, G, C — which all stand for molecules (adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine) that combine in groups of two to form base pairs. The genetic code of a human being consists of 3.2 billion base pairs. That's a lot of combinations!
How genetic variants come into being
In order to grow, our cells divide and copy themselves to form more cells. Like everything else, the DNA copying process is not perfect, and sometimes errors can occur — such as an A at the point where a T should actually be. The body has built-in mechanisms to catch and correct these mistakes, but occasionally a genetic variant gets through.
While most genetic variants are harmless, some can have profound health effects, such as an increased risk of heart attack, triggering asthma and allergies, or lactose intolerance.
That is why it is so important that we know about our individual genetics.
Referenzen
Publiziert
19.3.2024
Kategorie
Science
Wissenschaftliche Begriffe
Genome
The entire DNA sequence of an organism or virus. The genome is essentially a huge set of instructions for making the individual parts of a cell and for controlling the entire process.
Genomics
The study of the genome, the entire DNA of a particular organism. It includes the DNA sequence of a genome, the organization and control of genes, the molecules that interact with DNA, and how these various components influence cell growth and function.
DNA
Abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that encodes the information that a cell needs to function or a virus needs to replicate. Forms a double helix that resembles a twisted ladder, similar to a zipper. The bases, abbreviated as A, C, T, and G, are on either side of the ladder or strand that run in opposite directions. The bases exert an attraction on each other so that A sticks to T and C to G. The sequence of these letters is known as the genetic code.
Cell
The basic unit of life. The number of cells in a living organism ranges from one (e.g. in yeast) to quadrillion (e.g. in a blue whale). A cell consists of four important macromolecules that enable it to function: proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. Cells can build and break down molecules, move, grow, divide and die, among other things.
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