DNA And DNA Testing Explained
DNA is a very complex set of instructions utilized by the cells in our body. Cells use the DNA to help efficiently run the body. It is made up of very thing strings composed of 4 chemicals. These are frequently referred to as A, T, G, and C. A strand of DNA may look something like this “AATTCCGGGATTACCT”. These chemicals form a sequence of DNA, acting as a programming language inside the cells. DNA testing is the action of analyzing this unique code.
DNA is present in nearly all living creatures. A virus, for example is a very simple type of organism; it is merely constructed of just a few strands of DNA with a tail. As we examine more advanced life forms such as: bacteria, insects, birds, cats, dogs, monkeys, and humans the DNA becomes more complex. A single cell from the human body may contain billions of DNA bases, making the DNA very detailed and difficult to understand.
The basic unit of any living creature is a cell. Cells contain a nucleus, which acts as a control center for the cell. The nucleus transmits instructions throughout the rest of the cell, derived from the information of the DNA. All cells in the human body contain DNA except of red blood cells. Since blood is often used to collect a sample, this may seem confusing. However when a blood sample is collected they separate the red and white blood cells, only testing the white blood cells for DNA.
The body packages DNA into a larger format by wrapping all of the genetic information into chromosomes. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, however this does not signify anything in regards to the complexity of human beings; as there are some animals that have more than 23 chromosomes. When examining our 23 pairs of chromosomes, the first one is the largest followed in descending order to the 23 pair. One pair is referred to as our sex chromosomes, distinguishing males from females. Males contain and X and a Y chromosome, while women have 2 X’s only.
DNA is produced naturally and is composed of chemicals, however it can be synthesized. This means that you could possibly program a cell to do whatever you desired it to do. This may make it possible to alter the human body by adjusting the DNA. This type of DNA engineering has caught the attention of many people around the world; spawning articles, books, and movies that are based on this subject.
Our knowledge of the DNA language is still new and quite limited. However, every year we are making huge advances helping people to benefit directly from DNA testing and making huge progress in the research of genetic disorders.