I'm sure you have heard the term 'DNA' and we all know what a cell is (single cell or multi cell as in amoeba or human), but what is a genome, a chromosome, a gene and what do they do? And then of course, there is the double helix.
Most of us have seen a picture of the double helix, but how many of us understand what it is or why it is important? Most of us glean our information about cells and DNA from television crime shows that solve many crimes by comparing DNA, and we have heard about people who have been convicted of terrible crimes being exonerated by DNA testing.
Well much of this knowledge comes from sequencing the human genome, a long and complicated process of tearing thegenome into tiny pieces, identifying the base pairs and putting it back together again in the proper order.
Because of the efforts of the scientists who participated in the 'Human Genome Project' the genes for many genetically caused diseases have been identified, giving us real possibilities for effective treatments or cures.
OK, you and I don't understand everything that science is talking about relating to genetics.
I have been searching on the web for answers and now understand a little bit more.
I do understand how important this work is, especially to the child with Cystic Fibrosis or the person who is sitting in jail, falsely convicted of a horrible crime.
If you are interested in this topic, there is lots of information on the internet.
While you are searching though you will definitely run into companies who want to sell you information about your family tree by using your DNA.
Just remember that this field is still in it's infancy, so limit your expectations if you decide to try them.