Nov
13
2009
The Genetic Testing
Author: adminGenetic testing is a process that includes exploring the genetic material of individuals for the presence of change, which shows why they may have developed the disease or disorder. Genetic test can also tell patients if they are at increased risk of developing diseases like cancer in the future, but currently do not have any symptoms of this disease. Genetic testing is usually done by taking a sample of human blood. Changes in the genetic material that can be detected by this study vary in size. Sometimes even whole chromosomes or parts may be altered or missing entirely. Another way, is a mutation of the gene that causes malfunction.
One type of mutation is known as hereditary mutation. Heritable mutations can be called a germline mutation, as they are found in all cells of the human body, including reproductive or germ cells, sperm and egg for a male to female. Therefore, heritable mutations can be inherited or passed from mother to child. Genetic tests often looks for the presence or absence of these types of mutations in the gene