Why Is DNA Important?

DNA or Deoxyribonucleic acid is present in all living organisms. DNA functions to supply the information that is necessary for your cells to reproduce. It is also responsible for determining how an individual will look. DNA will often contain codes for certain genetic diseases which are passed on from parents to children. DNA is also a key tool for researchers who aim to determine the role that genes play in diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

The benefits of the discovery of DNA and its effects on medicine are truly astounding. Its impact however has truly reshaped the way we think and live and encompasses all aspects of people's lives including:

• Genetic cloning
• Paternity testing
• Solving crimes
• Identifying suspects and victims
• Breeding stronger animals
• Growing nutritious and drought-resistant produce
• Classification and manipulation of these genes

Here are just a few of the benefits and uses of DNA or genetic testing:

• In the field of archeology, DNA testing helps in the recording of genetic codes and other sequences of life even from those found centuries ago. This allows the creation of a database which can be used as a reference.
• Genetic tests are used in determining paternity of a child. This serves as a great tool in solving legal cases.
• DNA tests can also be used to build and complete a genealogical chart, more commonly known as a family tree. By using genetic databases, you can trace your ancestors and find lost relatives.
• Prenatal genetic testing will help doctors in determining whether or not babies will develop complex or incurable diseases.
• DNA testing is also a tool used in solving crimes such as murder cases. Criminals often leave DNA imprints at the scene of the crime. DNA testing will help catch them.
• DNA tests are widely used in the health field. Tests are used to study heritable diseases and rare medical health conditions.
• DNA tests are also used in health checks such as those used in certain cancers. Testing will help determine the mutation of cells or the presence of viruses.
• DNA tests help lost family members reunite. Your genetics leave an indelible mark which can be used by authorities and common people to confirm relationships with long lost relatives.
• DNA testing on new species can aid researchers and scientists in studying origins of species and how they compare to others.

All these things demonstrate that there are many benefits of DNA and that it is undoubtedly very important.

What Is DNA?

DNA is also referred to as a blueprint since it stores all the necessary information required in the construction of the cells in the human body. This information which creates cells is found in the component of DNA called genes.

For humans, all genes are inherited from parents. Each person has two copies of each gene –one from his father and one from his mother.

DNA also plays a huge role in people's health. Most complex diseases can be inherited through DNA.

Discovery of DNA

The discovery of DNA along with its structure and function is perhaps the most significant contribution made to science in the 20th century. Ever since its discovery, it has had a substantial impact on many different fields of science, especially in medicine.

From the identification of genes which play a role in the development of diseases, to the production of pharmaceuticals for disease treatment and the identification and analysis of genes, one clear answer to why is DNA important is that it has changed medicine. Studies in DNA have definitely led to remarkable breakthroughs that continue to illuminate the future of science and medicine. 

Genetic Research

In genetic research and modern medicine, application of the knowledge in DNA has allowed for:

• Improvement in the capacity to diagnose disease
• Detection of genetic predispositions to diseases
• Creation of new drugs for treatment
• Application of gene therapy for treatment
• “Customized drugs” for varying genetic profiles

All these breakthroughs offer new hope for those patients who are suffering from what were long believed to be untreatable conditions.