Dna: Your Body's Internal Framework

Our body is a complex structure

Our body is a complex structure. It is composed of organs, tissues, and cells. However, its complexity does not stop there. What is more complicated are the cellular structures of our body which may deemed as unimportant but actually plays a very crucial role in our genetic makeup. Our genes are consist of sequences of DNA and can undergo mutation when the DNA sequences changes.

So how important is DNA in our body? DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms and some viruses. It is compared to a set of blueprints where our codes or information are stored. These pieces of information are read using the genetic codes. These translate the genetic materials into proteins (amino acid sequence) by living cells. There are four chemical bases where these codes are stored: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). DNA plays a vital role in storing the genetic information of one organism. This information later on will be passed to the offspring.

The organization of DNA within the cell is called chromosomes. Chromosomes are essential in genetic diversity and survival of progeny that is why they must be divided, replicated and passed on successfully. If those things fail, genetic anomalies occur. In some cases, if there is an incorrect manipulation of chromosomal recombination, apoptosis may occur which can lead to cancer progression.

DNA is made of nucleotides. The nucleotides are found in the long DNA polymer which form a chain connected by covalent chemical bond. They form a structure called double helix. Nucleotides play a vital role in metabolisms. They produce chemical energy; help the cells to correctly response to their microenvironment which is essential to their development, tissue repair and immunity; and act as cofactors to enzymatic reactions.

DNA follows a certain sequence and base pairings. If there will be a change in genetic sequence, mutation happens. Mutation can happen in the DNA when an organism is exposed to mutagens. These mutagens come in many forms such as ionizing radiation, ultraviolet rays, base analog, alkaloid, bromine, sodium azide, benzene, and many others. Some of these mutagens are also cancer causing. Thus, exposure to these mutagens can increase the risk of cancer. Because of this, it is important to prevent the cells in our body from mutating. However, mutation can be beneficial in some ways because it can increase a person's immunity to a certain disease, but this is uncommon.

Understanding the internal framework of our body will enable us to avoid certain environmental factors that can increase the risk of developing diseases resulting from genetic mutations in our DNA. Moreover, practical applications of the studies and research about DNA help improve the technologies in the fields of genetic engineering, forensics, bioinformatics, DNA nanotechnology, and history and anthropology. Studies about human genetics are crucial in discovering preventions and cures for illnesses; finding the missing links in unsolved cases; developing nano-robotics and knowing human origins and lineage.

by: Charles Godbout

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