Every person is unique and this uniqueness is a result of their biological composition and their ancestral DNA. To understand the various aspects of human anatomy and components, scientists apply genetic variation analysis. This is the exploration of genetic threads that define people. By understanding the human genome, professionals can know about human evolution, migration and genetic bases of disease and health.
Genetic testing is the analysis of genetic components like DNA, RNA and chromosomes to detect genetic changes r materials. Genetic changes are what is known as variation, which has different effects on the body. While some variations are insignificant, there are others related to diseases.
Genetic testing is sone for medical reasons. It focuses on testing for variations in genes depending on one’s symptoms or history in their family. This helps identify certain genetic disorders. The following are common genetic testing techniques that help find genetic disorders within and outside a single gene.
PCR
Polymerase chain reaction or PCR is another common method that make multiple copies of short DNAs from a genetic material. This is called amplicon sequencing. It enables certain genes or regions to be measured or detected. It allowing copying of DNA for analyzing or sequencing by incorporating other methods. The PCR method is used to find genetic variations that cause certain diseases like the ones linked to genetic disorders or cancer.
Microarrays
Microarray is a method used for various purposes.in diagnosis, microarray is utilized to determine if a person’s DNA has deletion, duplication or stretches that could cause diseases. It focuses on all chromosomes.
Microarrays are made of short and single-stranded DNA sequences that attach to a solid surface. This sequence contains normal gene of interest and other different versions. The technique is considered the best for people with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays or severe birth defects.
DNA Sequencing
DNA sequencing is the process of determining order bases that make up the DNA. Such are adenine, guanine, thymine and cytosine. With sequencing, clinicians determine if a gene has variations linking to a disorder.
Next generation sequencing (NGS) is a faster sequencing technology because of its ability to sequence millions of DNA fragments. NGS techniques like whole genome sequencing focuses on specific regions. They are effective in detecting variations. Hence, they are mostly used to study certain genes and their variations.
Whole genome sequencing is available for evaluating people with family or personal history that suggest a high risk of ovarian or breast cancer. With sequencing like whole exome, several genes are evaluated to identify variations and whether their presence increase a risk of cancer.
Sager sequencing that focuses on single gene is the typical DNA sequencing that depend on a special chemical. This chemical marks DNA nucleotides with different colors. It is reliable but only reads one short region.
Cytogenetics
Cytogenetics is used in examining the shape, number and pattern of chromosome structures using certain technologies. A person has 23 chromosomes. Cytogenetics help to identify an extra, missing or rearranged chromosome. Hence, clinicians could understand the source or reason for disease or disorder.
Conclusion
Understanding human genetics has been made easier by genetic variation analysis. With the above testing techniques, clinicians have insights into disease vulnerability, human history and better health.
