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    DNA sequencing trace
    DNA sequencing trace.

    DNA segments are small pieces of the DNA molecule, which can vary in length, and each has a distinct role. Within the larger DNA structure, each segment has a specialized purpose and carries significant genetic information[1] that includes the instructions necessary for living beings to develop, function, and reproduce.[2]

    In the context of genetic genealogy, DNA segments are significant in that identical segments shared between two individuals can indicate a genetic relationship. Larger shared DNA segments indicate that they were likely inherited from a common ancestor. Shared DNA segment length is commonly measured in centimorgans. Chromosome browsers can help researchers understand which segments are shared between two or more DNA matches, which in turn can provide clues as to the identity of the most recent common ancestor shared by these matches. The genetic code of life is made up of segments of DNA that fit together like puzzle pieces; they regulate gene activity, carry protein-making instructions, and shed light on the evolutionary history of all species. The understanding of genetics has been revolutionized by the study of DNA segments, which also has numerous applications in the realms of research, forensics, genetic engineering, and customized medicine.

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    Types of DNA segments

    • Genes: Genes are recognizable DNA strands. Proteins, which function as the building blocks of life, are made according to instructions found in them.[3] They control characteristics like height, eye color, and the propensity to contract specific diseases. Humans are thought to have between 20,000 and 25,000 genes.[4]
    • Non-coding regions: Not every piece of DNA carries a gene. Non-coding areas, also known as "junk DNA," are some sections of DNA less used in genetic studies;[5] although it was formerly believed that these areas played a little role, more recent research has revealed that they are crucial for structuring the genome and regulating how genes function.[6]
    • Promoters and enhancers: Promoters and enhancers are DNA sequences that regulate the timing and pattern of gene activation.[7] Genes are used to make proteins, and promoters initiate this process while enhancers regulate their activity. These sections guarantee proper gene function.[8]
    • Telomeres: At the ends of each chromosome, there are unique DNA segments called telomeres. They shield the DNA from damage during cell division and guard vital genetic data from being destroyed.[9] Telomeres are involved in both aging and the development of certain conditions.
    • Exons and introns: Exons and introns are sections of genes. Even though introns don't include instructions for creating proteins, they are nevertheless translated into RNA, a transient molecule.[10] On the other hand, exons are where crucial instructions are found and employed to produce proteins.

    Importance and applications of DNA segments

    DNA Sequence, showing a mutation in Sample #1.
    DNA Sequence, showing a mutation in Sample #1.

    Shared DNA segments between two individuals can indicate a genetic relationship, making them crucial to genetic genealogy. DNA fragments have fundamentally changed how scientists think about genetics and have produced a number of significant new findings.[11] Researchers can determine genetic changes connected to diseases, investigate the relationships between species, and discover our ancestry by examining particular DNA sequences.[12]

    DNA fragments have been proven essential to the forensic science used to solve crimes.[13] The distinctive patterns in DNA segments can be also used to identify specific people and make links between suspects and crime locations. As a result, criminal investigations are now more precise and trustworthy.[14] DNA segments play a significant role in genetic engineering and biotechnology; scientists can change the genetic makeup of creatures or add desirable features by modifying particular region,[15] which has uses in generating genetic treatments, producing medications, and enhancing crops. DNA segments have made personalized medicine possible, in which a person's genetic profile is taken into account while developing therapies and preventative measures. Physicians can detect genetic risk factors for diseases, forecast how patients will respond to drugs, and develop targeted remedies after analyzing DNA segments.

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    References

    1. ↑ Garrido-Cardenas, J. A., Garcia-Maroto, F., Alvarez-Bermejo, J. A., & Manzano-Agugliaro, F. (2017). DNA sequencing sensors: an overview. Sensors, 17(3), 588
    2. ↑ Krishnan, Y., & Simmel, F. C. (2011). Nucleic acid based molecular devices. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 50(14), 3124-3156.
    3. ↑ Dunn, J., & Clark, M. A. (1999). Life music: the sonification of proteins. Leonardo, 32(1), 25-32
    4. ↑ Sarata, A. K. (2015). Genetic Testing: Background and Policy Issues
    5. ↑ Ling, H., Vincent, K., Pichler, M., Fodde, R., Berindan-Neagoe, I., Slack, F. J., & Calin, G. A. (2015). Junk DNA and the long non-coding RNA twist in cancer genetics. Oncogene, 34(39), 5003-5011
    6. ↑ Jurkowska, R. Z., Jurkowski, T. P., & Jeltsch, A. (2011). Structure and function of mammalian DNA methyltransferases. Chembiochem, 12(2), 206-222.
    7. ↑ Bulger, M., & Groudine, M. (2010). Enhancers: the abundance and function of regulatory sequences beyond promoters. Developmental biology, 339(2), 250-257.
    8. ↑ Biłas, R., Szafran, K., Hnatuszko-Konka, K., & Kononowicz, A. K. (2016). Cis-regulatory elements used to control gene expression in plants. Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC), 127, 269-287
    9. ↑ Maser, R. S., & DePinho, R. A. (2004). Telomeres and the DNA damage response: why the fox is guarding the henhouse. DNA repair, 3(8-9), 979-988.
    10. ↑ Koonin, E. V. (2006). The origin of introns and their role in eukaryogenesis: a compromise solution to the introns-early versus introns-late debate? Biology direct, 1, 1-23.
    11. ↑ Hood, L., Rowen, L. The Human Genome Project: big science transforms biology and medicine. Genome Med 5, 79 (2013)
    12. ↑ Ge, J., & Budowle, B. (2021). Forensic investigation approaches of searching relatives in DNA databases. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 66(2), 430-443.
    13. ↑ Jobling, M. A., & Gill, P. (2004). Encoded evidence: DNA in forensic analysis. Nature Reviews Genetics, 5(10), 739-751
    14. ↑ Daniell, H., Lin, C. S., Yu, M., & Chang, W. J. (2016). Chloroplast genomes: diversity, evolution, and applications in genetic engineering. Genome biology, 17, 1-29.
    15. ↑ Weitzel, J. N., Blazer, K. R., MacDonald, D. J., Culver, J. O., & Offit, K. (2011). Genetics, genomics, and cancer risk assessment: state of the art and future directions in the era of personalized medicine. CA: a cancer journal for clinicians, 61(5), 327-359
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    Contributors

    Main contributor: MyHeritage Team
    Additional contributor: Maor Malul