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Discover more about
DNA
,
genes
and
genomes
, and the implications for our health and society.
YourGenome
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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In the Cell
' pages
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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Methods & Technology
' pages
activities
Build a Bacteria!
Discovery bacteria diversity and get creative making your own model!
activities
My career in genomics: career profiles
Explore the diversity of career pathways into genomics through this collection of career profiles
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.
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Targeting Disease
' pages
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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Society & Behaviour
' pages
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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Animals & Plants
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Glossary
A list of terms used throughout this site.
Facts
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.
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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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Debates
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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