Are insurance companies doing this yet? I imagine a Gattaca-like future when I hear of this kind of stuff. Not that I fear it but I don't trust any company or government to do the right thing with the information...
I am curious how accurate it all turns out to be (it is noted that percentages play a role). I have only basic understanding of the math and biology so I am probably making tons of assumptions but from the post:
"One way of investigating this, is by studying identical twins. Since they have the exact same DNA, any differences between the two can be attributed to environmental factors."
I have identical twin sisters (from a fraternal twin father even, born on the same birthday...the odds). To me they look nothing alike but to outsiders sure maybe.
The points I am curious about:
1a. Doesn't DNA mutate? Even if twins start with identical DNA it could mutate from any number of environmental variables couldn't it?
1b. Couldn't it only mutate in just one, making them have different DNA in the end?
Like I said basic understanding.
Does 23andme give a 'layman' introduction to any of this stuff? One of the other comments says it makes you read some stuff before getting certain results but is it the kind of stuff that 'normal' people can understand without having to read another book of references?
>1a. Doesn't DNA mutate? Even if twins start with identical DNA it could mutate from any number of environmental variables couldn't it?
Human DNA does not mutate that often (If I recall correctly, the average human can expect to see ~230 mutations in their nuclear DNA in their lifetime, this includes that parts of DNA that we believe do nothing) What is far more common is related to epigenetics. Attached to DNA are various promoters and demoters that control how much a given gene is expressed. These can and do change based on envirement.
What is also far more common is a mutation in the mitochondrial DNA. However, the only thing mitochondria does for us is to help break down sugars, so mutations in mtDNA are not that significant.
I am curious how accurate it all turns out to be (it is noted that percentages play a role). I have only basic understanding of the math and biology so I am probably making tons of assumptions but from the post:
"One way of investigating this, is by studying identical twins. Since they have the exact same DNA, any differences between the two can be attributed to environmental factors."
I have identical twin sisters (from a fraternal twin father even, born on the same birthday...the odds). To me they look nothing alike but to outsiders sure maybe.
The points I am curious about:
1a. Doesn't DNA mutate? Even if twins start with identical DNA it could mutate from any number of environmental variables couldn't it?
1b. Couldn't it only mutate in just one, making them have different DNA in the end?
Like I said basic understanding. Does 23andme give a 'layman' introduction to any of this stuff? One of the other comments says it makes you read some stuff before getting certain results but is it the kind of stuff that 'normal' people can understand without having to read another book of references?
Sorry about the long post; stopping now.