YourGenome – Helping you discover more about DNA, genes and genomes, and the implications for our health and society.

YourGenome

Discover more about DNA, genes and genomes, and the implications for our health and society.

facts What is RNA? RNA is a nucleic acid similar to DNA, but with only a single, helical strand of bases. It plays a key role in turning DNA instructions into functional proteins.

videos From DNA to protein This 3D animation shows how proteins are made in the cell from the information in the DNA code.

facts What is a genome? A genome is an organism’s complete set of genetic instructions. Each genome contains all of the information needed to build that organism and allow it to grow and develop.

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videos My career in genomics: conservation genetics In this film Edel Sheerin describes her role as an advanced research assistant working in the field of conservation genetics. This is one of a series of films providing a unique insight into different careers in the field of genomics.

videos My career in genomics: data science In this film Georgia Whitton talks about her job as a senior data scientist working in the genomic surveillance unit. This is one of a series of films providing a unique insight into different careers in the field of genomics.

videos My career in genomics: cellular operations In this film Jade Smith talks about her role as an advanced research assistant working in cellular operations. This is one of a series of films providing a unique insight into different careers in the field of genomics.

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stories Disease Detectives: using phylogenetics to track disease outbreaks Phylogenetics is the study of the evolutionary relationships between organisms, based on their genomes - now used to track down disease outbreaks globally.

facts What is Genomic Surveillance? Genomic surveillance involves sequencing the genetic material of pathogens and identifying changes linked to the origins or characteristics of a disease.

stories Genomic surveillance in action Genomic surveillance is not new, but developments in the availability, speed and cost of technology mean it has become an essential tool in tackling epidemics.

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stories Direct-to-consumer testing Have you ever wanted to know more about your genetic make-up? Direct-to-consumer testing is now making this possible through tests you can order online. But is there a more serious side to us having such easy access to all of the information in our genomes?

facts What is evolution? In biology, evolution is the change in the characteristics of a species over several generations and relies on the process of natural selection.

debates Is it ethical to have a national DNA database? The National DNA Database has proved to be a valuable tool in the fight against crime. However, many people are concerned about how it has evolved from a database containing genetic information on convicted criminals to one that has information from a much wider group of people.

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activities Our Animal DNA Use online bioinformatics tools to find and compare brand new genome sequences from species sequenced as part of Darwin Tree of Life.

facts What is a GMO? GMOs are organisms that have had their characteristics changed through the modification of their DNA.

stories Tiny fish, big splash: the story of the zebrafish The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has become a popular model organism only relatively recently. It is a tropical fish from the minnow family with a genetic structure surprisingly similar to ours.

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In the Cell Methods & Technology Targeting Disease Society & Behaviour Animals & Plants

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Interviews, features and animations

Our paper-based activities

Apps, flash games and click-through animations

A list of terms used throughout this site.

Bite-sized chunks

What is DNA? What is a gene? Whatever you want to know about genetics you’ll find it all here, in helpful bite-size chunks.

In-depth features

Providing you with a more in-depth look at the history, applications and personalities in genetics and genomics.

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Ethical discussions

Genomics and genetics research raises many social and ethical questions. Find the arguments for and against the issues here.

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