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Explore genomics

DNA, genes, genomes, biodata - discover more about all things DNA on the pages below.

Introduction to genomics

Picture of a 3d illustration of conceptual human cells

What is a cell?

All living things are made of cells. They are the basic building blocks of life. The human body is composed of trillions of cells, all with their own specialised function.

In the Cell
3d illustration of DNA molecules

What is DNA?

DNA is the long molecule that contains your unique genetic code. A bit like a recipe book, it holds the instructions your cells need to make all the proteins in your body.

In the Cell
Image of a DNA encoding

What is a gene?

Genes are small sections of DNA that code for a functional product, like a protein.

In the Cell

In the cell

picture of lots of bright red shiny strawberries

Extracting DNA from fruit

This hands-on activity allows you to extract the DNA from fruit using household items.

In the Cell
illustration of DNA to protein

From DNA to protein

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

In the Cell

Genomics Lite: How does DNA mutate?

Genomics Lite is a series of public webinars, in this session we explored how DNA mutates.

In the Cell

Health and disease

Image showing DNA chromatogram graph. Different DNA bases are represented by different coloured peaks on the graph. Underneath the graph is the corresponding DNA base letters associated with the peaks of the graph.

What is a genetic condition?

A genetic condition is usually a medical condition or illness, caused by a change in a person’s DNA sequence.

Health and Disease
Picture of a scientist preparing covid samples for sequencing.

What is genetic testing?

Genetic testing looks for changes and variations in DNA that could put a person at higher risk of a genetic condition.

Health and Disease
Colourful 3D background of lots of different viruses such as Covid-19 and influenza.

What are infectious diseases?

Infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites and can spread between individuals.

Health and Disease

Living things

4 students wearing labcoats looking excited during science experiment.

Barcoding for beginners

Information and resources for educators and students participating in the Barcoding for beginners project

Living Things
Computed tomography of human brain

Are humans still evolving?

For much of nature, natural selection and ‘survival of the fittest’ still play a dominant role; only the strongest can survive in the wild. As little as a few hundred years ago, the same was true for humans.

Living Things
Image of a Robin sat in the sun, on a tree branch.

Classify!

What makes a bird a bird or a mammal a mammal? Grouping creatures together can show what links different creatures together.

Living Things

Methods and technology

Hand writing sequence on paper

Code Crackers

In this activity, learners discover how genes encode proteins, using a codon wheel and protein profiles.

Methods and Technology
Image of someone holding a micro:bit.

Tech in the Lab

Use a micro:bit to explore how creative coding and sensors can help scientists solve tricky problems in the lab!

Methods and Technology
3D illustration of a protein or enzyme.

Function Finders

Discover how DNA sequences code for proteins with different roles and functions.

Methods and Technology

Science in society

Picture of 3 skulls

Recreate a Face

Discover how DNA can provide clues to recreate the faces of people from the past.

Science in Society
Picture of a diverse group of people from all different backgrounds and walks of life.

Genome Generation Express

Explore, discuss and reflect on the social and ethical issues associated with genetic and genomic science.

Science in Society

Sharing Your DNA: What People Think Around the World

The Young Editors of Science (YES) project turns complex scientific papers into clear, engaging articles for young readers aged 10 and up. Using AI tools like ChatGPT and feedback from young reviewers, we make cutting-edge research accessible and fun to explore. This article is based on global research by Richard Milne and colleagues, exploring what builds public trust in scientists who collect and share DNA data. Over 36,000 people across 22 countries shared their views, helping researchers better connect with the communities they serve.

Science in Society