Unleash Your Inner Geneticist

Understanding DNA and Genetics

• Genes control how cells function, including growth, division, and lifespan.
• Each cell contains 30,000 different genes located on chromosomes, with 46 chromosomes arranged in 2 sets of 23 inherited from parents.
• Mutations in genes can cause cells to multiply uncontrollably, leading to cancer.
• Genetic mutations can be acquired from factors such as tobacco, UV radiation, viruses, and age, or inherited through germ line mutations.
• Tumor suppressor genes protect against uncontrolled cell growth, and oncogenes turn healthy cells into cancerous cells.
• DNA repair genes fix mistakes made when DNA is copied, and mutations in these genes may lead to cancer.
• Genetic testing can predict a person's risk of certain types of cancer and guide healthcare decisions.
• Hereditary cancer syndromes are caused by inherited gene mutations and account for 5-10% of all cases of cancer.
• DNA cloning involves isolating and copying DNA to investigate gene function, characteristics, and mutations.
• Reproductive cloning creates genetically identical organisms, while therapeutic cloning produces embryonic stem cells for medical treatments.
• DNA technology has advanced in fields such as forensics, bioinformatics, pharmacology, and archaeology.
• DNA sequencing, PCR, DNA cloning, and gel electrophoresis are common forms of DNA technology used in research and applications.