What are genes and how are they connected to diseases like sickle cell?
Genes are made up of DNA molecules, which are the simplest building blocks of heredity. They are grouped together in specific patterns within a person’s chromosomes, forming the unique “blueprint” for every physical and biological characteristic of that person. Humans have 46 chromosomes, arranged in pairs in every living cell of our bodies. When the egg and sperm join at conception, half of each chromosomal pair is inherited from each parent. This newly formed combination of chromosomes then copies itself again and again during fetal growth and development, passing identical genetic information to each new cell in the growing fetus. Current science suggests that human chromosomes carry from 25,000 to 35,000 genes. An error in just one gene can sometimes be the cause for a serious medical condition. In most cases with sickle cell disease, both the mother and father pass along the gene that causes the disorder. How does genetic testing work? Genetic tests are done by analyzing small sam
