Bundled deep within the nucleus of
nearly every one of the 100 trillion cells that
make up your body lies a unique and miraculous
message. A message composed in the language of
life itself your DNA. Genes are
Natures blueprint for "building"
life. Genes are present in the central
compartment (the nucleus) of almost every one of
the 100 trillion cells in your body. In all, your
body contains about 30,000-40,000 genes.
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At birth you inherit two set of
genesone set from each of your parents.
Each gene contains a set of coded instructions
that "explain" to your body how it will
develop and function. Your height, your eye
color, your voice, your hair textureeven
certain elements of your
"personality"are strongly
influenced by your genes.
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How do genes do this? Genes
contain long double-stranded segments called DNA
(deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA is formed by a
sequence of four chemicals (called nucleotides).
The arrangement of these four nucleotides makes
up your genetic code. No two individuals (except
identical twins) are born with the same exact
arrangement. In fact, just by changing the order
of these four chemicals, all the wondrous genetic
diversity within the human race is created.
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Virtually all human diseases
result from the interaction of genetic
susceptibility and modifiable environmental
factors, broadly defined to include infections,
chemical, physical, nutritional and behavioral
factors.
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Slight variations in genetic
makeup called Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms
( SNPs pronounced snips )
are associated with almost all diseases and can
influence a persons susceptibility to
specific environmental factors that increase
disease risk.
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Predictive Genomic can be
applied to three broad areas of clinical
relevance:
Predictive Genomic
Testing for more precise,
proactive health risk screening.
Familial Association
Testing for identifying
inherited risks within families.
Through carefully targeted
dietary, nutritional, lifestyle changes, as well
as medicinal therapies, it is often possible to
modify the expression of genes and to overcome
the genetic limitations of biochemical pathways.
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