In 2022, scientists completed the Human Genome study – the largest biological project in the history of science. Within its framework, researchers were able to identify all the genes contained in the human body. In total, they managed to discover 23,000 genes, although it was initially assumed that there were more than 100 thousand. The number of genes in humans turned out to be only slightly greater than in simple organisms like worms and flies. This is explained by the fact that our genes work more complexly, so our organisms are more developed. Our genes contain instructions for making proteins that the body needs to function. Genes determine our eye color, height and other individual characteristics. Where are they located? Do we have some kind of bag with genes inside?
Genes are found in every cell of living organisms. Source: azertag.az
What are chromosomes
No, there is no bag of genes in the human body. Genes are found in every cell of the human body, the number of which in the adult body reaches 30 trillion.
Genes are located in the depths of our cells. Source: 1informer.com
In the nucleus of every cell there are chromosomes, consisting of long DNA molecules, in which genes are stored. Each human cell contains 46 chromosomes, inherited from the father and mother. Genes stored on chromosomes are essential for the production of proteins that play a major role in the growth and development of the body. Genes also pass information from parents to children – so each child has common external features with his father and mother.
IMPORTANT:Genes are found in all cells of the human body, except red blood cells.
Cells in the human body continually divide to grow, repair tissue, and replace old cells. When this happens, the chromosomes are also copied and distributed between new cells so that they receive the full set of human genetic information.
Approximate appearance of human chromosomes. Source: 1informer.com
As a simple example, imagine that chromosomes are bookshelves in a huge library. Each of these shelves contains books (genes) that contain instructions for creating body parts and their functions. When the library is divided in two, a copy of it is created with the same books.
Read also: Scientists have discovered genes that provoke schizophrenia
What are genes for
Genes are needed not only for the production of proteins, they are needed for the functioning of the human body. They carry information about eye color, height and other characteristics that were passed on from parents in different proportions. Sometimes genes also carry information that makes people prone to various diseases.
Thanks to genes, all living organisms on Earth evolve, getting used to new environmental conditions. When mutations occur, organisms develop new functions that are useful for reproduction and survival in new conditions.
Genes have many different functions, about which many books have been written. Source: gentech.ntr.ru
Why do scientists study genes
The Human Genome Project is, without any exaggeration, one of the most important scientific studies in human history. Knowing what genes are in the human body and how they work, doctors can predict dangerous diseases in people and carry out prevention in advance. Also, thanks to this knowledge, they can develop individual treatments for diseases. Scientists today are making particular progress in the field of genetic engineering – recently, complete deafness was cured in one boy in this way.
Thanks to knowledge about genes, the police are able to quickly find criminals. At crime scenes, perpetrators often leave behind their genetic data – it can be found even in the smallest particles of skin. Then, by comparing DNA, the police create a “genetic fingerprint” of the person, which is very helpful in finding him.
Thanks to genetic traces, the police manage to catch even the most elusive criminals. Source: kyurgaza.ru
Thanks to genetic data, scientists are able to learn a lot of interesting things even about historical figures who lived hundreds of years ago. For example, in 2023, researchers were able to find out many interesting facts about the German composer Ludwig Beethoven. Data from a tuft of the musician's hair showed that he had a genetic predisposition to liver disease. At the same time, he had no genetic reasons for deafness, so scientists still do not know why the great composer lost his hearing.
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Scientists are still finding new genes that are responsible for our different tendencies. For example, researchers once found a genetic reason why some people gain excess weight.