Human DNA is still a mystery

Despite the many advances of medical science in decoding human genes, the genetic code still remains a mystery. Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms. The main role of DNA molecules is the long-term storage of information. The DNA segments that carry this genetic information are called genes. The other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in regulating the use of this genetic information. Contrary to the idea that genes can tell us what we are, there remains a lot in the human DNA that is complex and uncertain. A recent study conducted by a genome entrepreneur Craig Venter shows that his own DNA map identifies 4.1 million places where his genetic code is different from the basic reference human genome. This points to the mysterious nature of human genes, e.g. how they cannot determine what makes a person's eyes blue in colour. Like Venter, James Watson, who helped discover the double-helix structure of DNA in 1953, has also had his personal genome sequenced. One thing that the two want to find is if an individual's risk for disease could be discerned just by looking at his or her genes. Apart from a few diseases like Huntington's disease, there still exist many diseases that cannot be traced only through genes. Some diseases result from a complex interaction between genes and environment. Venter's case serves as a ready example for this. Venter has versions of three genes believed to lower the risk of heart disease and carries two copies of a gene mutation that raise the risk of a heart attack. Venter said he started taking a cholesterol-lowering statin drug years ago, even though his cholesterol levels were below those recommended for taking such medications. Thus, although knowing something doesn't change what's in our genetic code, knowing things can give us a chance to prevent what could be a part of our genetic destiny.