Genome Sequencing

Your DNA is made of a long series of units, called bases, represented by the letters A, T, G and C, which form chromosomes. Each person has two copies of each chromosome, each inherited from one of your parents. There are over three million bases contained in one set of chromosomal copies, and regions of these sequences form genes, the structural unit that carries the blueprint for the tools that your cells need in order to function.
Sequencing, therefore, is a technological process that allows us to identify the sequences of these bases in order, and from this information, we can look at genes to see their structure and make predictions about how they will function.

DNA is unique to each individual. When you inherit your chromosomes from your parents, they undergo a process where segments are rearranged between the chromosome pairs. Any changes in the DNA carried by your parents are passed onto you, and can be identified using genome sequencing. Then, with reference to a wealth of scientific research, your results can be interpreted in the context of your physical characteristics, or phenotype.

Typical DNA tests offered by services such as MyHeritage, 23andMe or AncestryDNA are not considered whole genome sequencing, though they do interrogate the bases found at regions around the entire genome.
DNA tests look at a specific subset of changes that are found in different populations all over the world that have been shown to be linked to specific phenotypes and medical conditions. These DNA tests produce a genotype at each site – that is, a representation of the base found on each of your chromosomes at that position. Approximately 700,000 locations are reported on in these tests.

Whole genome sequencing differs in that it is a survey of every base contained in your genome. Genome sequencing uses a high throughput technology, where your DNA is read over and over again to produce high confidence calls as to what base is found at each position along the genome.
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Whole genome sequencing typically produces a coverage of 30X, which means that on average, each base is read 30 times. So, the biggest differences between DNA testing and genome sequencing are the number of bases analysed, and the number of times they are seen by the equipment.

Given the high level of uniqueness of every individual in the world, unlocking the secrets of your DNA through genome sequencing can tell you a lot about yourself. No two genome sequences are the same, except in the case of identical twins, so understanding the changes that make you who you are can help you to make decisions about your health, fitness, nutrition and more. Genome sequence data can be difficult to understand at the level of a layman; so often, it is recommended that you work with a doctor or a genetic counsellor to understand what your DNA is saying about your health.

Your health status and risk for certain conditions is one of the biggest reasons why a person may decide to have their genome sequenced. However, you can gain even more insights into yourself, including ancestral information, as well as the way your genes impact how well you can handle certain types of exercise or different kinds of foods.
Your DNA is the blueprint for your body, so with whole genome sequencing, you can unlock the secrets of you.

Making the decision to have your genome sequenced puts you in the driver’s seat
when taking control of your health.
There are many genome sequencing companies that can perform the process for you, and it is as easy as sending in a saliva sample or cheek swab to the company.
You are then presented your results using comprehensive reporting which makes it easier to understand the changes that may be having an impact on your overall health.
You can also gain deeper insights into various other aspects of yourself such as your ancestry and more. Take your health into your own hands and try genome sequencing today!