The human genome is made from DNA. The gene portion codes for proteins and non-coding sections control the expression of genes. An individual鈥檚 genetic code is unique.
Medical researchers may use genomic information to compare the DNA of individuals who bear an inherited disease with those who are unaffected.
Differences between their genomes may reveal the precise mutation and cause of their condition.
An individual's genome can be analysed to predict the likelihood of developing certain diseases.
Knowledge and analysis of an individual鈥檚 genome may lead to personalised medicine. This is possible through:
identifying people who have a higher risk of certain diseases due to their genes
giving them advice or preventative treatment
From 2020, all seriously ill children in England will be eligible for whole genome sequencing. This will allow doctors to determine exact causes of illness or genetic disorder and tailor medication and treatment much more efficiently.
Pharmacogenetics
It is also possible to identify variations in a person's genome that predicts how well that person will respond to certain drugs. The study of this is called pharmacogenetics.
This branch of science is still in its infancy but is likely to be used to improve the effectiveness of medical treatment.