In 2003, the Human Genome Project announced that it had completed the task of mapping the genetic content of human DNA.
The project identified all the genes in human DNA and determined the sequences of the 3 billion chemical base pairs.
This is important data because these genes carry information about making proteins required by the human body.
These proteins govern the workings of every cell, including how you look, how well you metabolize food, and how your body fights infection.
Work on the Human Genome Project also developed improved techniques in DNA sequencing and fluorescent dyes. This greatly increased the accuracy of DNA sequencing in addition to being able to automate the process. The new methods reduce the cost of DNA testing.
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DNA testing is used to work out the ethnic mix of an individual as part of genetic genealogy. Several entrepreneurs have offered DNA testing services that claimed to find what ethnic population and geographic regions that you originate from. While finding out where your ancestors came from is fascinating for many, not all companies carry out the due diligence required with inexperienced
researchers making invalid assumptions. Discover which companies offer the best tests for your requirements. It is prudent to visit the impartial DNA Weekly website where you will find truthful reviews and comparisons between the different companies.
Mental Health and DNA Testing
Several genes have been identified that are associated with various diseases; entrepreneurs have found a variety of innovative uses for DNA tests.
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A link has been shown between a methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) mutation and mental welfare. The mutated MTHFR gene can lead to high levels of homocysteine in the blood. This in turn may lead to a deficiency in vitamin B-12 or folate.
A lack of folate can cause a chemical imbalance in the brain, resulting in what many believe to be an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The discovery of the mutated MTHFR gene can assist you in making lifestyle changes by changing your diet or taking folic acid and vitamins B-6 and B-12 supplements.
DNA Tests for Carrier’s of Hereditary Disease
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Doctors can now use DNA testing as an aid in confirming a genetic disease diagnosis. Huntington’s disease is a progressive brain disorder caused by a single defective gene on the HTT gene. There is a
sequence of three DNA bases, cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG), which is repeated many times. If the sequence is repeated over 40 times then you are at a much greater risk of developing Huntington’s disease. The greater the number of these CAG repeats, it is possible that the symptoms will be more severe.
Human cells have 46 chromosomes. 23 from each parent. Genes can be either dominant or recessive. In the case of a baby with a brown-eyed parent and another with blue-eyes, then it is more likely the child will have brown eyes because it is the dominant gene.
In Huntington’s disease, the defective HTT gene is dominant. Meaning that anyone who inherits it from a parent with the illness will probably develop the disease themselves.
Genes are greatly impacted by your environment, lifestyle, and mental health.
There are some elements that cannot be controlled but gene therapy is revolutionizing medicine every day. Making gene therapy a possibility for bespoke medicine
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