An Everyday DNA blog article
Written by: Sarah Sharman, PhD
Illustrated by: Cathleen Shaw
Welcome to ‘Everyday DNA Basics’! This special series will explore the fundamentals of genetics, genomics, and DNA. We’ll break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand explanations and examine how they relate to our everyday lives.
Have you ever wondered why you have your mom’s eyes but your dad’s smile? Or why some plants can withstand extreme heat while others can’t? These are just a few of the amazing things that genetics explains.
But did you know there’s a whole other field of science called genomics that takes our understanding of genes to a whole new level? In this ‘Everyday DNA Basics’ article, we’ll explore what genetics and genomics are and how they help us understand ourselves and the world around us.
DNA, Gene, Genome: The hierarchy of genetic information
Let’s start with some vocabulary to help us understand a few topics later on. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the blueprint for life in almost all organisms. It carries the genetic instructions that tell an organism’s body how to develop, grow, and function.
DNA is made up of four base pairs, represented by letters, that together contain the information needed to build an entire organism. All of the DNA within an organism is called its genome.
Genomes can be vastly different sizes, depending on the organism. Surprisingly, the size of the organism itself doesn’t always translate to the size of their genome. Some genomes are extremely small, like viruses and bacteria. Other genomes can be unbelievably large, like the largest plant genome, which clocks in at an impressive 149 billion base pairs. The human genome contains approximately 3 billion base pairs.
What is DNA?
A gene is the unit of DNA that carries the instructions for making a specific protein or set of proteins. Genes are made up of various combinations of the four base pairs. There are approximately 20,000 to 25,000 genes in the human genome that code for proteins.
Genes account for only a small fraction of genetic information. The remainder of the DNA that doesn’t contain instructions for making proteins is referred to as non-coding DNA. Some non-coding DNA sequences serve functional roles, such as regulating when and where genes are active, while others have no known function. Together, genes and non-coding DNA make up a genome.
What is a gene?
Genetics vs. Genomics
Genetics is the study of heredity, or how living things pass down traits from one generation to another. The field traces its roots back to Gregor Mendel, a monk and scientist who discovered many of the basic rules of heredity by studying pea plants in the 1800s.
Genetics focuses on individual genes. Think of it like studying a single word in a sentence. Geneticists might investigate how a specific gene, like the one for eye color, is passed down from parents to their children.
Genetics also examines gene changes and how they affect the organism. Some changes are neutral, some cause problems, like disease, and others can confer benefits, like faster plant growth or disease resistance.
What is a genome?
Genomics, on the other hand, takes a broader view. It examines an organism’s entire genome—like studying the entire sentence and how all the words work together to create meaning. Genomics explores how different genes interact with each other and how they are influenced by the environment.
Why are Genetics and Genomics Important?
Imagine a future where personalized medicine allows us to predict and prevent diseases before they even begin, where farmers can grow more nutritious, resilient, and sustainable crops, and where we can better understand our ancestry and our connection to the natural world. This is the future that genomics promises, and it’s within our reach.
Genomics provides a powerful tool for improving human health. By analyzing an individual’s unique DNA, scientists and physicians can predict their risk of developing certain diseases, such as cancer or heart disease. This allows for proactive steps like lifestyle changes, early detection, and even preventative medications. Furthermore, genomics helps doctors pinpoint the root cause of illnesses, enabling more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments tailored to each patient.
Beyond medicine, genomics illuminates our past. By examining our genes, we can trace our ancestry, learn about human history, and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves. Genomics also plays a vital role in forensic science, aiding in crime investigations and upholding justice.
Genomics is revolutionizing agriculture. By analyzing plant DNA, scientists can understand the vast differences in the genetic makeup of different crop and wild varieties. This knowledge helps them breed crops with higher yields, improved nutrition, and enhanced flavor. This also allows for the development of disease-resistant varieties, reducing the need for harmful pesticides and ensuring a stable food supply. Genomics helps scientists understand the genetic diversity of crops, which is important for ensuring the long-term sustainability of our food supply.
Scientists at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology know firsthand the potential genomics has to revolutionize our world. Our eleven research labs are genomics experts across a spectrum of brain diseases and disorders, various cancers, and hundreds of plant and crop systems. They’re leveraging the power of genomics to help unlock a future where we can prevent disease, feed the world, improve our environment, and deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
