Chromosomes, DNA Genetics & Genetics Research
CyGene's Genetic Research: Analysis of Chromosomes & DNA Genetics

Genetic research is constantly changing, with new announcements made daily about scientists using genes to develop life saving disease therapies, investigating the medical benefits of cloning certain cells and mapping the variations found in the human genome, the combination of all DNA material found in the chromosomes. But what exactly do these genetic "breakthroughs" mean to you and how can understanding them help personalize your health options or lead to a healthier lifestyle? Quite simply, your DNA defines who you are, where you come from, and can often provide a roadmap for where your body may be going. Here's how:

What is DNA?
Find out more about chromosome & dna genetics through genetic research

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a very long molecule that can be found in almost all our cells, located specifically in the nucleus. The individual unit of the DNA molecule is called a base. There are four types of bases, labeled A (adenine), T (thymine), G (guanine) and C (cytosine). The bases string together in a particular order and the DNA molecule is made up of two strands paired together. The two strands always pair together in a specific manner with the A base from one strand and the T base from the other combining, along with the G base from one and the C base from the other, into what are known as base pairs. The double strand then coils like a ribbon into a shape known as the double helix. A piece of DNA millions of base pairs long, along with some proteins, is called a chromosome.

Chromosomes and Genes
Learn how a combination of chromosomes & dna create dna genetic traits

The chromosome contains thousands of genes, each of which is again thousands of bases long, and the order of the bases along the strand of DNA serve as instructions for producing particular proteins. Bases that are found along the chromosomes before the genes carry instructions as to when the proteins are to be used. It is in the variation of the bases, and the pattern of the person's individual double helix that determine individualized genetic traits such as eye color, height, skin color and a predisposition to certain health conditions. We inherit 23 chromosomes from each parent, with 22 of them being identical in both men and women. As a result, we have double copies of each gene contained on the chromosome, although the pattern of each gene can and is most likely different between our mother and our father. The way the chromosomes join together determines which genetic traits, from which individual gene, are strengthened or minimized.

How Mutations Occur

Likewise, as the patterns of bases are copied from gene to gene, chromosome to chromosome, changes to the pattern can occur. Since the order of the bases provides a recipe for the production of a particular protein, and the timing of that protein's production, any change to the pattern of bases is called a mutation. Mutations can result in rather benign consequences such as different eye color from our parents, or more serious conditions such as a predisposition to a particular cancer or a greater risk for heart disease.

Personalized DNA Genetics Create Roadmaps to Healthier Living
Personalize your genetic research and make healthier lifestyle choices

Knowing which mutations occur within our personal DNA road map can also help us live healthier lives. While you cannot change your genetics, you can take active steps to reduce certain risks of disease. Personalized DNA genetic testing allows you to focus on the things you can control, such as healthy diet, lifestyle choices and in the event of a potential serious conditions, even advanced screening and preventative treatment.