"It's your gene"

We all have come across people branding our appearance and unique features for our genes. I personally have come across a lot for my amazing features. Just saying!! 

So, What is this gene? Where can I find my gene? Are DNA and gene the same? What does this have to do with how I look? 

I have wondered a lot about these and I am sure you too have!!  So, let's take a look at this!

Genes inherit information about everything we are made up of from our parents which are made up of DNA.  So, genes and DNA are two different things. Let's view it closely!

We all know that a human body is made up of cells, each cell contains a nucleus, the nucleus has 46 chromosomes, the chromosomes are made up of DNA, and sections on DNA make up a gene.  Found it finally!  

A human body contains 25,000 genes.  But the interesting fact is that all human beings share about 99.9% same gene but one percent is what makes the difference.

Talking about what does it has to do with our features,  these genes are responsible for giving instructions to make proteins which are the building blocks of our hair, nails, muscles, teeth,  hormones, enzymes, etc. These help our bodies to grow in a unique way. 

For example, our blood has hemoglobin in which globin is a protein, ever wondered how it is produced? The gene HBA and HBB present in chromosome 11 provide the information to make this globin protein.

Researchers are still finding out about which protein each gene makes and its function to know more about the unknown cause of several diseases. 

So, what happens if the genes don't work properly?

It causes mutation, they can be missing parts of genes or the presence of the extra genes.  These mutations can be inherited from our parents or they can occur due to environmental factors.  

Anything innovative going on?

Our technology has developed in such a way that you can have your complete gene sequenced for 1000USD and for Rs.50,000 in India. This is especially for diseased patients to know the disease complications and to give them personalized treatments.  Hopefully, you can contact me in the next two years if you want your genes to be sequenced;)

Gene therapies are trending medicines where we can replace our sick genes with healthy ones and researchers are still working on developing the possibilities to prevent the disease and treat them.  

Our future advancements are Artificial chromosomes that can mimic the original chromosome in our body and their practical applications are still under study.

So, thank your genes for all the beautiful features you have and carry them proudly because 

"It's your gene".