DNA is also known as the deoxyribonucleic acid. It is the hereditary material that is present in all living organisms. DNA is very important to our lives. It influences everything from physical characteristics to the likelihood of catching illnesses. This blog provides you with complete information regarding DNA. You should be aware of the following amazing facts about DNA, regardless of whether you are interested in genetics or are planning to schedule a DNA test.

Structure of DNA

DNA is a molecule that contains a unique genetic code. It contains all the instructions that make the proteins in our bodies. The structure of DNA is a double helix. This resembles the twisted structure of a ladder. This double helix structure is made up of pairs of nitrogen bases including adenine with thymine and cytosine with guanine. The size of a DNA molecule is small and the information stored in these cells is considerably vast. It has been scientifically proven that if you unfold the DNA molecule it would stretch about 10 billion miles. This resembles the distance from Earth to Pluto and back. 

Types of DNA Testing

DNA is helpful in providing information regarding different aspects. It is one of the main facts about DNA. Following are some of the types of DNA testing:

• Genetic Ancestry Tests:

You can have complete information about your ancestors with the help of ancestry testing. Choice DNA is one of the best labs that provides such services at affordable rates to let you know about your genetic heritage.

• Health Risk Assessments:

You can also have insights about any illnesses that you may encounter. The DNA tests near me can help you know any heart diseases, cancerous issues, or diabetes specifically if they are inherited from your ancestors. You can take preventive measures in this regard and get treatments to avoid severe conditions.

• Paternity Tests:

DNA paternity tests are available to let you know about the real father of your child. This is very helpful in resolving personal matters. The DNA sequence of the child and the potential father are analyzed in controlled environments. The genetic markers that resemble each other prove the real father of your child. 

• NIPP Testing:

NIPP testing also known as Non-Invasive Prenatal Paternity Testing is the advanced method to analyze paternity at an early stage. This test is done during the pregnancy when the mother is approximately 7 weeks pregnant. The blood samples of the fetus taken from the mother’s bloodstream are evaluated with the cheek swab sample of the potential father. This test is considered completely safe and secure as compared to traditional paternity tests. 

• Legal DNA Tests:

You can also resolve your legal matters with the help of legal DNA testing. The legal matters may include child custody issues, child support matters, financial aid from the father, and inheritance problems. Courts order paternity testing to clarify and reveal the real father of the child in order to resolve such legal concerns.

The Roles of DNA in Forensic Science

DNA also plays a great role in forensic sciences. You can solve a number of criminal issues with the help of biological samples collected from the potential areas. Forensic DNA testing helps in the following ways:

• Crime scenes often provide valuable biological evidence in the form of blood, saliva, hair, or skin cells.
• The DNA is extracted from the cells and then purified once it has been removed.
• A technique known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used to generate enough DNA for examination.
• The DNA profiles that are created via the analysis of the amplified DNA are then compared to databases or profiles of potential individuals.

DNA: The Blueprint of Life

DNA is very important to understand because it is the basis for life. It has a significant impact on our health and our susceptibility to certain diseases, in addition to determining our physical traits. Innovations in DNA testing and research are helpful in transforming science and the medical field. This can bring new understandings and improve living standards.

Conclusion

The study of DNA has made a lot of things possible. DNA has been helpful in finding information related to your ancestors. It has also helped in getting important health information and solving crimes. The NIPT test and other legal DNA tests demonstrate the significance and practicality of this extraordinary molecule. This is an example of one of the technological developments in DNA testing.