Genetics, Genomics, Precision Medicine and Personalis
In this section we will talk about genetics, genomics, precision medicine and personalised care - what these terms mean and how they may relate to your care. Genetics vs Genomics Both Genetics and Genomics involve examining DNA to help predict, diagnose / treat cancer - amongst other conditions. However they differ in their focus.
What is DNA - and what does it do?
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) contains the genetic information of life and acts as a set of instructions for how to build and maintain your body. It is found in the very centre of almost all human cells, in an area called the nucleus. A DNA molecule is made up of two linked strands that wind around each other to resemble a twisted ladder in a helix-like shape. Each strand has a backbone made of alternating sugar (deoxyribose) and phosphate groups. Attached to each sugar is one of four bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G) or thymine (T). The two strands are connected by chemical bonds between the bases: adenine bonds with thymine, and cytosine bonds with guanine.
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