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Exploring the DNA of a strawberry: lessons we can learn about our own health
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Every living thing has DNA — or deoxyribonucleic acid – which is a blueprint of what makes you a human, your dog an animal or your roses a type of flower. You may be surprised to learn that 60 percent of the DNA present in strawberries is also present in humans. So, what is this genetic phenomenon and how does it impact you?
Tuesday, April 25 is DNA Day. Join us at 11:30 a.m. CDT for a special Facebook live event on Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine Facebook and shared on Mayo Clinic Facebook.
Hosted by the Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine, the event will feature Mayo’s version of a ‘science guy’ who will unravel the molecular mystery behind DNA and the similarities between strawberries and humans. Watch Matthew Ferber, Ph.D., and his assistants – Chromo and Some – extract DNA from a strawberry. You’ll see what DNA looks like and how DNA sequencing helps doctors understand your genetic code.
Why it’s important
DNA has a big impact on your health. You may already know that DNA determines the color of your eyes, how tall you are and whether you are right or left handed.
But did you realize that DNA serves as an instruction manual for your body, guiding the way your body develops and functions? It also determines how your body processes medications, and whether you are at risk for developing diseases that run in your family or other health conditions.
DNA Day commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project, which sequenced the first full human genome in 2001. The project took more than 13 years to complete and cost over $3 billion. Today, a person can have their genome sequenced in a few days for approximately $1,000.
As a result of the Human Genome Project, new technologies have revolutionized health care by providing a way for physicians to look very closely at your DNA and identify genetic factors that lead to disease. These new technologies have led to better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat many conditions such as rare inherited diseases and cancer.
What you’ll learn
Dr. Ferber will share his expertise about DNA and genomics and how they impact your health. He’ll provide a fun and informative presentation that will include:
Fun facts about DNA and how it works
Test your knowledge about DNA, the microscopic building block of all living creatures. Learn fun facts like how many trips all he DNA in your body, if stacked end to end, could travel to the moon and back. Learn how DNA directs the proteins in your cells to help your body function.
How your DNA impacts your health
Half of your DNA comes from your mother and half comes from your father. Dr. Ferber will explain how the DNA you inherit can impact your health. He’ll also discuss how spontaneous changes in your DNA can lead to the development of disease.
How genomic analysis is used to guide individualized care
Physicians and medical researchers use genomic testing to understand the genetic factors behind health and disease. Learn how these tests help:
- Prevent or detect disease at an early stage when it is more easily treated
- Select the right drug and dosage for you based on how your genetic makeup impacts your ability to process medications
- Identify the right treatment for you based on the genetic characteristics of your disease
Dr. Ferber is director, Clinical Genome Sequencing Laboratory in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and one of the founding members of the Rare and Undiagnosed Disease Service for the Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine.
Learn more about DNA and precision medicine
- Next generation sequencing – a game changer
- Coming to your doctor’s office: the right drug at the right dose for you
- Test reveals the right drug to help one patient manage panic attacks – finally
- Using genomics to target cancer therapy
- Should healthy people consider genetic testing?
- Understanding DNA sequencing: how it may improve your health now and in the future
Attend the 2017 Individualizing Medicine Conference
Hear world-renowned experts discuss the latest research in precision medicine and how it can be applied to improve treatments for many conditions at Individualizing Medicine 2017: Advancing Care Through Genomics.
The Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine, with support from the Jackson Family Foundation, is hosting the sixth annual genomics conference, October 9–10, in Rochester, Minnesota.
- Register today via the conference website.
- See the schedule.
- Review the list of speakers.
Follow the latest news related to the conference on the Center for Individualized Medicine blog, Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter at @MayoClinicCIM and use the hashtag #CIMCon17.
