Genomics Thread #1
Before diving into companies, let's make sure we understand some terms.
Spoiler: there's a WHOLE lot to learn...
Before diving into companies, let's make sure we understand some terms.
Spoiler: there's a WHOLE lot to learn...
1/ It starts with DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or your "genetic code."
It's a double-helix structure that is made up of chemical base-pairs (A pairs with T via 2 hydrogen bonds and C pairs with G via 3 hydrogen bonds).
It's a double-helix structure that is made up of chemical base-pairs (A pairs with T via 2 hydrogen bonds and C pairs with G via 3 hydrogen bonds).
2/ DNA sits in the nuclei of your cells.
How many cells do you have?
Roughly 37 trillion.
And our cells aren't static. They are actually dividing constantly.
How often?
Nearly 2 trillion times per day.
How many cells do you have?
Roughly 37 trillion.
And our cells aren't static. They are actually dividing constantly.
How often?
Nearly 2 trillion times per day.
3/ And in each one of those cells, exists 23 pairs of chromosomes (22 "autosomes" and 1 pair of sex chromosomes).
A chromosome is essentially a tightly wound strand of DNA.
And the entirety of the base pair sequence in each piece of DNA is called the genome.
A chromosome is essentially a tightly wound strand of DNA.
And the entirety of the base pair sequence in each piece of DNA is called the genome.
4/ Guess how many base pairs in each strand of DNA?
Roughly 3 billion.
To be clear, genes are made up of DNA. There are between 20-30k unique genes.
And for each gene, up to 10 proteins can be traced back to that gene, resulting in anywhere from 80-400k total proteins.
Roughly 3 billion.
To be clear, genes are made up of DNA. There are between 20-30k unique genes.
And for each gene, up to 10 proteins can be traced back to that gene, resulting in anywhere from 80-400k total proteins.
5/ Ok, let's recap quickly:
There are about 37 trillion cells in our body that make-up everything. They divide 2 trillion times per day to grow, regenerate, etc.
In each cell is a nucleus with chromosomes.
There are about 37 trillion cells in our body that make-up everything. They divide 2 trillion times per day to grow, regenerate, etc.
In each cell is a nucleus with chromosomes.
6/ There are 23 pairs of chromosomes, consisting of your DNA, or the instruction code for protein creation that regulates all the functions in your body.
You can think of DNA as the mastermind behind the scenes, nestled nicely in the form of chromosomes in each cell's nucleus.
You can think of DNA as the mastermind behind the scenes, nestled nicely in the form of chromosomes in each cell's nucleus.
7/ When we drilled deeper, there are unique genes within each chromosome.
And then, of course, our genes carry the information that makes up our traits.
So these tiny segments of DNA (genes) tell proteins what to do and that affects our entire body at all times.
And then, of course, our genes carry the information that makes up our traits.
So these tiny segments of DNA (genes) tell proteins what to do and that affects our entire body at all times.
8/ Phew! That was a lot.
And we haven't even talked about RNA and the actual process of going from DNA to actual protein creation.
Step 1: RNA copies DNA in a process called transcription
Step 2: RNA moves out of the nucleus to the ribosome which is called translation
And we haven't even talked about RNA and the actual process of going from DNA to actual protein creation.
Step 1: RNA copies DNA in a process called transcription
Step 2: RNA moves out of the nucleus to the ribosome which is called translation
9/ Step 3: tRNA brings amino acids to the mRNA/ribosome combination, creating a chain, otherwise called a protein.
An example of a protein would be something like hemoglobin which carries oxygen in the blood.
An example of a protein would be something like hemoglobin which carries oxygen in the blood.
End/ There are all sorts of details but that's the gist!
From smallest to biggest:
Genes
⬇️
DNA
⬇️
Chromosomes
⬇️
Nucleus
⬇️
Protein
⬇️
Cell
⬇️
Skin/Muscle, etc.
⬇️
You!
From smallest to biggest:
Genes
⬇️
DNA
⬇️
Chromosomes
⬇️
Nucleus
⬇️
Protein
⬇️
Cell
⬇️
Skin/Muscle, etc.
⬇️
You!
• • •
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