Confusing Terms
We have all heard words or phrases like--genes, chromosomes, the double helix, sequencing the human genome, and DNA. But what do they all mean? The following articles are intended for the general audience and layman who are not involved in this rapidly expanding field, but would like to understand the gist and words of what is being talked about when some new discovery hits the headlines.
We have all seen crime programs on television (CSI etc.) that use DNA to help solve crimes and most of us have probably read about people who have been convicted of horrible crimes, and later been exonerated by DNA. A very useful tool indeed in the prevention of a miscarriage of justice.
Sequencing the human genome has led researchers to identify genes that can cause some people in the population to be more susceptible to certain diseases and it has helped to identify those carrying certain genes that can be passed on to offspring such as cystic fibrosis and others, so that potential parents can make informed decisions.
But where are the genes, do they contain the chromosomes, or are genes and DNA the same thing? Is the double helix made up of genes or chromosomes? Because of the obvious importance of this topic to all of us and because discoveries are being made daily in the field, we will try to clear up some of the mystery so that we can understand what we hear and read on the topic.
| 