April 25 is National DNA Day 2021, an important celebration of scientific discovery. It is worthy to celebrate as, according to the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), it commemorates a couple of things: first, the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA this same date in 1953, and the Human Genome's Project's completion in 2003, also on April 25.
The International Business Times reported that the National Day Calendar stated that this completion of the human genome's mapping transformed research. More so, the occasion is a perfect time for people from different walks of life to discover more about DNA, genetics, and genomics.
NHGRI explained the objective of National DNA Day is to provided teachers, students, as well as the public, with an opportunity to learn about, and observe the latest advances in genomic research and find out how such advances might affect their lives.
How People Can Participate in National DNA Day 2021
There are many different ways for people to take part in this year's National DNA Day. One of them is by learning more about the topic, be it by reading articles, reading books, or watching videos featuring DNA.
NHGRI offers educational videos that are visually striking, not to mention, those that are easy to understand. There are interesting activities as well that people can try in time for this yearly event. For example, an individual can learn how to extract DNA from either frozen or fresh strawberries at home.
National Day Calendar has also recommended watching documentaries about DNA. Whatever people choose to celebrate this occasion, what's more, important is the manner they are learning more about it.
National DNA Day Facts
As earlier mentioned, National DNA Day celebrates the successful completion of the 2003 Human Genome Project and James Watson's and Francis Crick's discovery of DNA's double helix in 1953.
This occasion, according to the said IBT report, is officially commemorated on April 25 every year, and started after the 108th Congress's session passed "coexisting resolutions designating the day in 2003."
According to the NHGRI, this yearly celebration provides educators, students and the public a lot of exciting opportunities to discover more about the most recent advances in genomic research and learn more about what the DNA may mean for their lives.
The NHGRI, one of the 27 centers and institutes that form the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has encouraged organizations to organize and host events to celebrate the National DNA Day from January until May every year.
Interesting Information About DNA
As further reported by IBT, DNA is found inside the body's cells' nucleus, each of which containing a lot of DNA molecules inside. Since cells are tiny, the DNA is firmly packed into a form identified as a chromosome.
Essentially, the human genome contains three billion bases, roughly 99 percent of which are identical in every individual. It is only the rest, accounting for differences in humans like eye color and skin.
Even though DNA appears quite tiny, when unpacked, the DNA in every cell would be roughly six feet in length if uncoiled and put together from end to end.
When reproducing, organisms are getting half of their DNA from their fathers, and the other half, they're getting from their mothers. Nonetheless, the entire mitochondrial DNA is coming from mothers as only egg cells retain mitochondria during the fertilization process. This was also reported on the Genomics Education Program website.
DNA can be subjected to mutations as well, whether acquired or inherited. And, even though some of these mutations can lead to health problems, the cells can fix the genetic mutation.
A related report on the celebration of the National DNA Day 2021 is shown on Staffordshire University's YouTube video below:
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