DNA and Genes
Genes are the blueprints of life. Genes control everything from hair color to blood sugar by telling cells which proteins to make, how much, when, and where. Genes exist in most cells. Inside a cell is a long strand of the chemical DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). A DNA sequence is a specific lineup of chemical base pairs along its strand. The part of DNA that determines what protein to produce and when, is called a gene.
First established in 1985 by Sir Alec Jeffreys, DNA testing has become an increasingly popular method of identification and research. The applications of DNA testing, or DNA fingerprinting within forensic science is often what most people think of when they hear the phrase. Popularized by television and cinema, using DNA to match blood, hair or saliva to criminals is one purpose of testing DNA. It is also frequently used for other benefits, like wildlife studies, paternity testing, body identification, and in studies pertaining to human dispersion.While most aspects of DNA are identical in samples from all human beings, concentrating on identifying patterns called microsatellites reveals qualities specific and unique to the individual. During the early stages of this science, a DNA test was performed using an analysis called restriction fragment length polymorphism. Because this process was extremely time consuming and required a great deal of DNA, new methods like polymerase chain reaction and amplified fragment length polymorphism have been employed.The benefits of DNA testing are ample. In 1987, Colin Pitchfork became the first criminal to be caught as a result of DNA testing. The information provided with DNA tests has also helped wrongfully incarcerated people like Gary Dotson and Dennis Halstead reclaim their freedom.
Latest about Genetics
Meet 'Fanzor,' the 1st CRISPR-like system found in complex life
By Amanda Heidt published
Scientists discovered Fanzor proteins, which work like CRISPR but are smaller and more easily delivered into cells, and used them to edit human DNA.
What is the maximum number of biological parents an organism can have?
By Meg Duff published
Most organisms have two parents, but not all. Could an individual have three parents, or even more?
Mysterious 'Viking disease' linked to Neanderthal DNA
By Dr. Alakananda Dasgupta published
A new study finds that the key genetic risk factors for Dupuytren's disease, a crippling hand disorder, are derived from Neanderthals.
Australia's 'worst female serial killer' freed after her children's deadly gene mutations come to light
By Harry Baker published
New research has revealed that the children of Kathleen Folbigg each had genetic mutations that could explain their deaths.
Doctors identify never-before-seen genetic mutations that led to 2 children's insatiable hunger
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Two children developed insatiable hunger and severe obesity due to rare genetic mutations, their doctors reported.
1st draft of a human 'pangenome' published, adding millions of 'building blocks' to the human reference genome
By Stephanie Pappas published
A new version of the human reference genome incorporates genetic data from 47 individuals from around the globe, deepening scientists' view into how genes work.
Rosalind Franklin knew DNA was a helix before Watson and Crick, unpublished material reveals
By Jennifer Nalewicki published
A new paper based on long-lost documents confirms that DNA discoverer Rosalind Franklin should be credited for discovering the double helix.
Nearly 150 genes involved in cartilage development may control human height, study suggests
By Sascha Pare published
In a study of mouse and human genes, scientists pinpointed 145 genes that regulate the cartilage cells in kid's growth plates and could determine how tall they grow.
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