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How The Genetic Code Will Be Cracked

Outlook Web Desk

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Human life is controlled by chemical codes. The codes are contained in spiral-shaped DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). The code inside one human cell contains 50,000 to 100,000 instructions, called genes, and each one controls a different characteristic.

  • The DNA molecule has a ladder-shaped structure. The genetic code can be read in the rungs of the ladder. The code is spelled out by four chemicals: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G) and cytosine (C). A pairs with T and G pairs with C only. Unzipped DNA allows its code to be read by RNA .
  • A small fragment of DNA is cut out of the chromosome and fed into an automated machine that reads each biochemical "letter" on the segment
  • Computer programs search for letters that typically signal the start and end of a gene. Previously known genes can be pinpointed along the chromosomes
  • Once the segment has been read, a computer finds where sequences overlap. They then assemble the fragments into a complete sequence.
  • Once the full sequence is known, scientists or doctors can know how, when and which genes make proteins that causes disease or protect health.
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