The Basics On Genetics
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a molecule that contains the instructions to make every living thing. DNA stores this information as a sequence of bases, represented by four letters (‘A’, ‘C’, ‘G’, and ‘T’). We inherit half our DNA from our dad and half from our mom. A gene is a region of DNA that provides the “recipe” for making a protein. Proteins are essential and carry out most of the functions needed for us to live. Your own body adjusts the types and number of proteins it makes by turning certain genes “on” or “off." Scientists call this process gene expression. LEARN ABOUT GENETIC TESTING AND HOW IT CAN BENEFIT YOU Genes exist in different versions in the human population. These are called genetic variants. Your combination of variants is your genotype for that gene. Your genotype may affect how much protein a gene makes or how that protein acts in the body. These differences are the main reason we are all unique. They determine your height and eye color, and ca...