Deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA is a molecular composition of genetic instructions that are used for the reproduction, development, and functionality of every organism on Earth. DNA is composed of two strands coiled together to form a double helix that carries the hereditary components of humans and almost all organisms.
The first discovery of DNA in 1864 was focused on chemical tests and experiments. DNA was used for genetic inheritance only in 1943. The DNA concept of the double-helix polymer was then discovered in 1953 by Francis Crick and James Watson. This led to a significant scientific advancement in hereditary control and DNA replication.
What is human DNA?
The human genome is a complete set of nucleic acid sequences that make up human DNA. It is encoded within 23 chromosome pairs in cell nuclei with a small DNA molecule found within individual mitochondria. Protein-coding and non-coding DNA are both found in human genomes.
Every person has two strands of genes which came from each of his or her parents. Most genes are the same in all people. However, there is a small difference in the sequence of their DNA. This makes each individual unique and different from other people.
In a recent breakthrough, a boy who was born in Greece was found to have three different DNA strands. The baby was conceived through an in vitro fertilization known as the mitochondrial donation technique.
In mitochondrial donation technique, the intracellular structure of the egg of the mother is modified by the donor egg. The tiny structures of the mother's egg are replaced by the donor egg. While it is true that the genetic structure of the parents are passed down to the baby, about 0.2% of the baby's DNA came from the donor egg.
Many people who are suffering from fertility issues have resorted to mitochondrial donation. This aims to help women who wanted to conceive and combat issues on fertility.
According to Nuno Costa-Borges, a Spanish embryologist, the mitochondrial donation can be considered as a healthy birth that can help a multitude of future would-be mothers.
Mitochondrial donation is a "revolution in assisted reproduction."
