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About DNA
DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, the chemical inside the nucleus of a cell that carries the genetic instructions for making living organisms. Specifically, it is composed of two bases forming each site on double-helix shaped strands (nucleotides). Most of the 3 billion sites in human DNA instruct cells to make proteins, which perform a wide variety of activities in the cell. On a cellular level, these proteins are the regulators of our health.
Nature shuffles the genes between two parents and deals the child a "hand" that, in effect, contains strong cards and weak cards, good genes and less-than-good genes. But the library of genetic instructions for making each of us unique -- the complete deck, called the genome -- can be read and interpreted back to our original parents, Adam and Eve. All of our DNA comes from them. The tool for searching through that library is DNA testing, or genetic genealogy.
The most common DNA test people purchase is one that traces your father's Y chromosome. This line follows your surname and is usually important because your father determines the social standing, property and as recent studies suggest, your family's eating habits and overall longevity. Check out the Premium Male DNA Test.
But the maternal side of things is probably more critical from a medical point of view. You receive a lot of your predisposition toward disease according to the mitochondrial DNA passed to you by your mother (and to her by her mother, etc.). The mother gives us our ethnic identity, basic cultural orientation and early childhood education. Check out the Premium Female DNA Test.
Purchase the DNA Fingerprint Test, a newly developed cheek swab test ($250.00). This test tells you which countries your ancestors likely came from, including finding any Native American, African or Asian ancestry, and can answer many questions about your health, ethnic mix and physiognomy, or physical appearance. Read FAQs about this test.
Depending on the DNA site or gene location examined, the chemical code found there can tell us:
- If we have an inherited disorder or if we are at risk for developing one
- The degree to which we are liable to develop conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, Alzheimer's and other health factors
- What kind of ancestry we have. This is the specialty of DNA Testing Systems and other ancestry tracing companies. Most people want to know where they came from, genetically speaking.
What is the point of finding out what the genes are that determine so many aspects of your life?
The Human Genome Project completed in 2000 was the greatest scientific undertaking since the atom bomb. The next phase is to map the genes involved in human health so that medical science can treat common and rare disorders by understanding what causes them.
Genetic testing has already unlocked the secrets of several rare diseases such as sickle cell anemia, a blood condition seen most commonly in people of African ancestry. The disorder is caused by a single base pair change in one of the genes that codes for hemoglobin, the blood protein that carries oxygen.
Last year was the year of the "personal genome." After sequencing the genome (total genetic information) of the human race, laboratories are now able to tackle our individual set of genes. Now ordinary persons can explore their unique heredity with a variety of screening tools.
Knowing how your DNA differs from others can explain how your appearance, nutrition, energy and health factors differ from others'. It can provide a powerful key to formulating a personal health plan and achieving a vibrant, healthy life. Knowledge truly is power!
Continue with
The best book on DNA: Deep Ancestry by Spencer Wells
Naturopathy and its potential
Your Hosts Dr. Anne Marie Fine and Dr. Donald N. Yates
DNA Testing Systems and Fine Center for Natural Medicine are dedicated to offering the public life-long educational opportunities in genetics and risk assessment for proactive intervention. These pages are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any medical condition, only to educate and contribute to your awareness. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to Contact Us.
