In 2003, the first complete human genome was sequenced. The genomes of different people have small changes in the sequence of the DNA bases. Describe how these changes in DNA sequence can affect the individuals and how sequencing a person’s genome could influence their medical treatments – 10018

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1. DNA Sequencing :
   DNA is made up of 4 bases – adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
   These bases pair in a specific way and form the genetic code that controls how our body works.

   Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence.
   These changes can happen randomly or due to the environment. They can result in new versions of genes called alleles.

   Different alleles can lead to different phenotypes, which means they affect how a person looks or how their body functions.
   This creates genetic variation among people.

   Outcome of DNA Sequencing for an Individual:
   DNA sequencing can help identify genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia.
   It shows if a person has a faulty gene or is at risk of passing it on.

   It also helps to predict the risk of developing certain diseases, such as cancer or heart disease.
   Knowing this in advance means people can make lifestyle changes like eating healthier or exercising to reduce their risk.

   Knowing about a possible disease early can help the person and doctors make better decisions about prevention and treatment.

   Impact on Medical Treatment:
   The Human Genome Project (HGP) has helped scientists find where specific genes are and what they do.
   This helps us understand what causes different diseases.

   Doctors can now give more accurate treatments based on a person’s genes.
   This is called personalised medicine, where treatments are tailor-made for the individual.

   People can also take preventative medicine, such as taking medication early to stop a disease from developing fully.

   Overall, DNA sequencing helps us understand genes, prevent diseases, and provide better, more personal treatments for patients.

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