DNA And You!
Wouldn't it be nice if we could choose the colour of our eyes and hair or how we look like? Have you ever wondered why your hair is black and your eyes brown and not some other colour? The answer lies in your DNA. What is DNA and what does it do?
You are unique – your DNA says so!
DNA is like an instruction manual and blueprint for everything in our bodies. The human body is made up of cells and every cell contains DNA molecules. These DNA molecules contain genes which tell the cells in your body what to do. Genes control a big part of how you look and behave.
Did you know? Your DNA comes from both your parents and unless you have an identical twin, your DNA is unique to you. No one else in this world has the exact same DNA as you!
What does DNA do?
DNA is involved in almost every one of our bodily processes. It carries out all the processes that keep our cells alive. It also digests our food for us, influence how we will respond to infections and determines the colour of our eyes, hair and skin.
Uses of DNA
Today, DNA is used to solve crimes. Since DNA is unique to each person, the evidence collected at a crime scene, such as hair, blood samples and tissue samples can help in convicting a guilty person, or proving the innocence of a suspect.
There is still a lot about DNA that we do not know. However, scientists who are researching on DNA say that studying DNA may help cure many human diseases.
From the DNA of one cell, we can also clone an animal, a plant or maybe even a human being.