How The Genetic Code Will Be Cracked

Updated on: 7 February 2024 7:24 pm

Human life is controlled by chemical codes. The codes are contained in spiral-shaped DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). The code inside one human cell contains 50,000 to 100,000 instructions, called genes, and each one controls a different characteristic.

The DNA molecule has a ladder-shaped structure. The genetic code can be read in the rungs of the ladder. The code is spelled out by four chemicals: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G) and cytosine (C). A pairs with T and G pairs with C only. Unzipped DNA allows its code to be read by RNA .

A small fragment of DNA is cut out of the chromosome and fed into an automated machine that reads each biochemical "letter" on the segment

Computer programs search for letters that typically signal the start and end of a gene. Previously known genes can be pinpointed along the chromosomes

Once the segment has been read, a computer finds where sequences overlap. They then assemble the fragments into a complete sequence.

Once the full sequence is known, scientists or doctors can know how, when and which genes make proteins that causes disease or protect health.