Glossary – 1 | Alter DNA

07.23.09

Glossary – 1

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DNA

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms and some viruses. The main role of DNA molecules is the long-term storage of information. DNA is often compared to a set of blueprints or a recipe, or a code, since it contains the instructions needed to construct other components of cells, such as proteins and RNA molecules. The DNA segments that carry this genetic information are called genes, but other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in regulating the use of this genetic information.

DNA Fingerprinting

DNA fingerprinting (also called DNA testing, DNA typing, or genetic fingerprinting) of individuals on the basis of their respective DNA profiles. DNA profiles are basically just sets of numbers that can be used as a identifier. The number set can be encrypted to a DNA identification number. DNA profiling should thus not be confused with full genome sequencing.

Although 99.9% of human DNA sequences are the same in every person, enough of the DNA is different to distinguish one individual from another. DNA profiling uses repetitive ("repeat") sequences that are highly variable, called variable number tandem repeats (VNTR). VNTRs loci are very similar between closely related humans, but so variable that unrelated individuals are extremely unlikely to have the same VNTRs.

DNA Replication

DNA replication, the basis for biological inheritance, is a fundamental process occurring in all living organisms to copy their DNA. This process is "semi-conservative" in that each strand of the original double-stranded DNA molecule serves as template for the reproduction of the complementary strand. Hence, following DNA replication, two identical DNA molecules have been produced from a single double-stranded DNA molecule. Cellular proofreading and error-checking mechanisms ensure near perfect fidelity for DNA replication.

DNA Structure

DNA structure shows a variety of forms, both double-stranded and single-stranded. The mechanical properties of DNA, which are directly related to its structure, are a significant problem for cells. Every process which binds or reads DNA is able to use or modify the mechanical properties of DNA for purposes of recognition, packaging and modification. The extreme length (a chromosome may contain a 10 cm long DNA strand), relative rigidity and helical structure of DNA has led to the evolution of histones and of enzymes such as topoisomerases and helicases to manage a cell’s DNA. The properties of DNA are closely related to its molecular structure and sequence, particularly the weakness of the hydrogen bonds and electronic interactions that hold strands of DNA together compared to the strength of the bonds within each strand.

Human Mitochondrial DNA

Human Mitochondrial DNA is contained in human mitochondria.

Mitochondria are small structures in cells that generate energy for the cell to use, and are hence referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is not transmitted through nuclear DNA (nDNA), and in most multi-cellular organisms, virtually all mitochondria are inherited from the mother’s ovum, as it is unusual for sperm cells to contribute mitochondria when fertilizing ova.

Largest Mitochondrial DNA Database

The largest Mitochondrial DNA Database with thousands and thousands of people that have tested their mtDNA with different labs and testing sites, MitoSearch.org is a free public service that allows individuals that have tested with those companies to make their results available for comparison.

You can easily maneuver through the database, search by last name, closest matches as people display their family trees to help make these relation matches. Get your DNA tested at Family Tree DNA and you are put in the largest Y chromosome and Mitochondrial database in existence.

Mitochondrial DNA

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is the DNA located in organelles called mitochondria. Most other DNA present in eukaryotic organisms is found in the cell nucleus. Mitochondrial DNA was discovered by Margit M. K. Nass and Sylvan Nass by electron microscopy as DNAase-sensitive thread inside mitochondria,[1] and by Ellen Haslbrunner, Hans Tuppy and Gottfried Schatz by biochemical assays on highly purified mitochondrial fractions.

Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA are thought to be of separate evolutionary origin, with the mtDNA being derived from the circular genomes of the bacteria that were engulfed by the early ancestors of today’s eukaryotic cells. Each mitochondrion is estimated to contain 2-10 mtDNA copies.

Mitochondrial DNA Analysis

Mitochondrial DNA analysis is a somewhat different type of DNA analysis compared to other techniques used today. It generally works well on samples that are unable to be analysed through numerous other techniques. To understand how mitochondrial DNA analysis works, however, it is important to have a sense of how a cell is structured.

Source: ExploreDNA, http://www.exploredna.co.uk/mitochondrial-dna-analysis.html

Mitochondrial DNA Testing

Mitochondrial DNA Testing is another name for genealogical DNA test examines the nucleotides at specific locations on a person’s DNA for genetic genealogy purposes. The test results are not meant to have any informative medical value and do not determine specific genetic diseases or disorders (see possible exceptions in Medical information below); they are intended only to give genealogical information. Genealogical DNA tests generally involve comparing the results of living individuals related to historic populations.

Image Sources:
http://www.molecularstation.com/molecular-biology-images/data/502/Benzopyrene-DNA.png
http://www.irishscientist.ie/images/UCDDUKEDNA.gif
http://www.uic.edu/classes/bios/bios100/lecturesf04am/possible.gif
https://eapbiofield.wikispaces.com/file/view/DNA-colored.gif
http://www.flemishdna.com/Project/Flemish_Female_Ancestry_files/Global Network of mtDNA lineage-filtered.jpg
http://sql-datenbank.net/Sql/blog/Sql-server-host.html
http://www.vrp.com/articles.aspx?ProdID=art912&zTYPE=2
http://www.thegeneticgenealogist.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/02/migrationmap_big.jpg

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