National DNA Day – April 25, 2022

Every year on April 25 since 2003, scientists, biologists, and genetics enthusiasts come together to observe National DNA Day, celebrating the discovery and research into DNA and the scientific advancements that helped make progress possible. Organized annually by the Human Genome Research Institute, National DNA Day encourages people to learn more about the science that makes them genetically unique.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL DNA DAY

On April 25, 1953, molecular biologist James Dewey Watson’s academic paper presenting DNA’s double-helix structure (which he co-authored with British molecular biologists Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins) was published in the scientific journal, Nature. Nine years later, the three scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for unearthing the molecular structure of nucleic acids and its importance for genetic information transfer in living beings.

On April 25, 1953, molecular biologist James Dewey Watson’s academic paper presenting DNA’s double-helix structure (which he co-authored with British molecular biologists Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins) was published in the scientific journal, Nature. Nine years later, the three scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for unearthing the molecular structure of nucleic acids and its importance for genetic information transfer in living beings.

On April 25, 1953, molecular biologist James Dewey Watson’s academic paper presenting DNA’s double-helix structure (which he co-authored with British molecular biologists Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins) was published in the scientific journal, Nature. Nine years later, the three scientists were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for unearthing the molecular structure of nucleic acids and its importance for genetic information transfer in living beings.

NATIONAL DNA DAY TIMELINE

NATIONAL DNA DAY TIMELINE

25% genetically similar

On average, siblings who share the same mother and father — excluding identical twins — appear to be 25% genetically identical and 50% half identical. This occurs because each child gets 50% of their genetic makeup from their mother and 50% from their father, meaning 25% from each has the potential to be genetically identical while the other 50% is a slightly different genetic pattern passed on to each child.?

90% identifiable third cousin

There is a 90% chance that third cousins will share enough DNA for the relationship to be detected but only a 50% chance that you will share enough DNA with a fourth cousin for the relationship to be identified. This is because of the random way that autosomal DNA is inherited, causing third, fourth, and more distant cousins to not necessarily have any detectable half-identical regions.

Between 20,000 and 25,000 genes

The Human Genome Project estimated that humans have between 20,000 and 25,000 genes, however genes do not code for proteins. In humans, genes vary in size from a few hundred DNA bases to more than 2 million bases. Every person has two copies of each gene, one passed down from each parent. Most genes are the same in all people but less than 1% of the populations genes are slightly different. Alleles are forms of the same gene with small differences in their sequence of DNA bases, making up small differences to each person’s unique physical features.

WHY NATIONAL DNA DAY IS IMPORTANT

It acknowledges advancements in scientific discovery

Ever since the days of Aristotle, the Father of Biology, scientists have been studying living organisms and contributing to the genetic discoveries that were published in 1953 and continued today. On National DNA Day, we recognize the efforts that lead us to the knowledge we have access to today and the continued research that will lead to the discoveries of tomorrow.??

It encourages people to learn more about their genetic history

The research that's lead to the celebration of National DNA Day is the science that brings us closer to our roots. This day feeds that sense of belonging by encouraging us to take the dive into learning more about who we are and where we come from.?

It's a day where the public can learn more about genetics and genomics

From genetic history to gene editing, there's a lot to learn when it comes to the structure and function of genomes. On National DNA Day, the public is encouraged to access any and all available information to learn more about their genetic makeup and the molecular biology of all living things.?