The basis of a DNA Fingerprint test is Gene. Gene is the basic physical and functional unit of a DNA. To understand how and why genetic testing is powerful, we must first understand what is gene.
The Beginning of Genetic Studies
Gregor Mendel, a botanist, was discovered the concept of genes in 1865. Mendel first observed that the the garden peas has predictable physical traits across generations. He found the colors of seeds and flowers of garden peas always came to a predictable appearance. This variation of physical characteristics of garden peas, in turn, led to the discovery of Particulate Inheritance.
According to Mendel, the traits of offspring were inherited from parents through discrete particles. These discrete particles are latter termed “genetic units” or simply “genes“. The Mendelian Inheritance research concluded that phenotype is theorized to be predictable and characterizable. Phenotype is then defined as the observable traits or physical appearance of a gene.
By 1900, several botanists, notably Thomas Hunt Morgan, concluded that chromosomes are the discrete physical vehicle carrying genes. This chromosome theory of inheritance confirmed that most traits are passable to offspring through chromosomes exchange. There are two types of chromosomes, namely autosomes and sex chromosomes. Autosomes contain genes that are passable independent of sex, while sex chromosomes contain genes that are only passable by sexual difference. Through deeper understanding of genes and chromosomes, scientists confirmed that each gene is in fact “parked” or “located” at a certain position on the chromosomes. This is latter termed the “locus” of a gene.
Genetic Variation from Chromosomes
The “locus” of gene ultimately decides what is presentable on the physical traits. Firstly, human chromosomes are diploid. This means that each chromosomes exists in a pair (or two of each). This is termed “allele”. Next, when reproduction occurs, the location of the gene may change, by random chances, across the pair of chromosomes. As this happens, a genetic variation occurs, which gives rise to different genotype and phenotype of every unique individual.
Therefore, genetic testing, or DNA fingerprint testing, is to identify what is unique to your genotype (the genetic combination of your genes), which may change how your phenotype (your observable physical traits) looks like. By harnessing the understanding of your uniqueness, we can then unlock your true potential by maximizing your strength, and work around your weakness smartly.
Interested? Contact us to know more about your DNA potential!
