LiveScience Topics: DNA and Genes

Genes are the blueprints of life. Genes control everything from hair color to blood sugar by telling cells which proteins to make, how much, when, and where. Genes exist in most cells. Inside a cell is a long strand of the chemical DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). A DNA sequence is a specific lineup of chemical base pairs along its strand. The part of DNA that determines what protein to produce and when, is called a gene.

First established in 1985 by Sir Alec Jeffreys, DNA testing has become an increasingly popular method of identification and research. The applications of DNA testing, or DNA fingerprinting within forensic science is often what most people think of when they hear the phrase. Popularized by television and cinema, using DNA to match blood, hair or saliva to criminals is one purpose of testing DNA. It is also frequently used for other benefits, like wildlife studies, paternity testing, body identification, and in studies pertaining to human dispersion.

While most aspects of DNA are identical in samples from all human beings, concentrating on identifying patterns called microsatellites reveals qualities specific and unique to the individual. During the early stages of this science, a DNA test was performed using an analysis called restriction fragment length polymorphism. Because this process was extremely time consuming and required a great deal of DNA, new methods like polymerase chain reaction and amplified fragment length polymorphism have been employed.

The benefits of DNA testing are ample. In 1987, Colin Pitchfork became the first criminal to be caught as a result of DNA testing. The information provided with DNA tests has also helped wrongfully incarcerated people like Gary Dotson and Dennis Halstead reclaim their freedom.

Explore DNA and Genes

The Ultimate Sacrifice: What Some Bugs Will Do

Yellow jackets, like honey bees and fire ants, exist in a sophisticated social hierarchy. Unlike other animals that travel in packs, these social insects will literally ...
BYU Written with DNA

Scientists have used DNA material to write letters.
Monkeys Born of Two Mothers

Techniques similar to cloning produced monkeys with the genes of two mothers. Could help with human diseases.

More DNA and Genes News and Information

Space Wheat Could Feed Astronauts on Mars

Long-term spaceflight exposure doesn't change later generations of wheat seeds, new research found.
Neanderthals Were Few and Poised for Extinction

Neanderthals were sparse.
Copernicus Remains Verified by DNA Analysis

DNA analysis of hairs matches supposed remains of Copernicus.
Fertility Problems? Have More Sex

Doctor's orders: If you're struggling to make a baby, try harder.
Hot Debate: Are You More Like Chimps or Orangutans?

Contrary to popular wisdom, two biologists are arguing that orangutans, not chimps, are humans closest relatives.
Baboon Finding Could Shed Light on Human Evolution

The genetic basis of complex traits may show parallels across different primate species.
Dad: More than Just a Guy with Sperm

Biology has underestimated the role of fathers in making babies. Society has too, especially when it comes to child-rearing. That should change.
Marijuana Damages DNA and May Cause Cancer

Study indicates marijuana damages genetic material in ways that could increase the risk of cancer.
Scientist Prospects for 'Bio-Gold' at Yellowstone

Researchers have analyzed virus genes from Yellowstone National Park to hunt for codes that could be valuable to bioengineers.
Roots of Gray Hair Found in Cellular Stress

DNA damage to hair stem cells may be responsible for turning hairs gray
Body Part Loss in Fish Yields Surprise

When two species evolved and lost their pelvises, the changes were caused by different genes.
Mice Given 'Human' Version of Speech Gene

Mice given "human speech" gene to study evolution of language.
Home, Sweet Home: Urban Rats Stay Put

City-dwelling rats like to stay close to home, according to researchers
Miniature Cows See Small Boom

Budget-conscious farmers buy up smaller and more efficient cows.
Genes of 'Bearded Lady' Revealed

Scientists find the genetic mutations that give rise to "bearded lady's" condition
Happiness May Be Inherited

A researcher proposes that happiness may be partly inherited from parents' life experiences.
Mammals 'Got Milk' for Past 160 Million Years

Mammals and milk go together — it is produced by all species in this group. The link actually goes back to the Jurassic.
Surprising Truth About Heredity and Moms

Every baby gets half his genes from Mom and half from Dad, but primarily mothers are in charge early on.
DNA Tests Could Show If Lincoln Was Terminally Ill

A DNA test could show whether President Abraham Lincoln was dying of a rare genetic disease before his assassination.
Scientists to Resurrect Ancient Gene to Replay Evolution

Aim is to resurrect a single gene from an extinct species of bacteria.
Origin of Life: What Are the Odds?

How life began is one of life's great mysteries.

Welcome, Guest

Curious? Join our community!

LiveScience Topics: DNA and Genes

Explore DNA and Genes

More DNA and Genes News and Information

DNA and Genes Features

Other LiveScience Topics