The Health Benefits of DNA Testing

Overview

DNA is a fascinating chemical composition that makes us who we are. It is a double-stranded collection of nucleotides connected containing the code for every physical and cognitive characteristic you have. Inside every cell of our body, DNA is located in the nucleus where it is protected by a phospholipid bilayer and ready to be expressed when protein synthesis began.

While you most likely heard about the importance of proteins and enzymes in keeping the cell alive, you should know that these proteins are the final result of DNA expression. The study of DNA expression is referred to as epigenetics.

In humans, there are approximately 20,000 genes that translate into hundreds of thousands of proteins using splicing methods. Preserving the integrity of DNA is crucial since genetic mutations can lead to several debilitating maladies, such as sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, and Tay-Sachs disease. Now that you are familiar with the basics of DNA, we will discuss the concept of DNA testing, as well as its benefits.

What is DNA Testing?

The process of DNA testing is relatively new to the scientific community; however, it is a promising technique that carries enormous potential. After receiving a sample from your body tissue (e.g., hair), technicians will isolate the DNA, using chemical reactions. The next step would be the sequencing of DNA, which allows us to read your genetic material and compare it to an extensive database.