| Single Nucleotide Polymorphism |
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A single nucleotide Polymorphism , or '''SNP''' (pronounced ''snip''), is a DNA Sequence variation occurring when a single Nucleotide - A , T , C , or G - in the Genome (or other shared sequence) differs between members of a species (or between paired chromosomes in an individual). For example, two sequenced DNA fragments from different individuals, AAGC'''C'''TA to AAGC'''T'''TA, contain a difference in a single nucleotide. In this case we say that there are two '' Allele s'' : C and T. Almost all common SNPs have only two alleles. Within a population, SNPs can be assigned a Minor Allele Frequency - the ratio of chromosomes in the population carrying the less common variant to those with the more common variant. It is important to note that there are variations between human populations, so a SNP allele that is common in one geographical or ethnic group may be much rarer in another. In the past, single nucleotide polymorphisms with a minor allele frequency of ≥ 1% (or 0.5%, etc.) were given the title "SNP," an unwieldy definition. With the advent of modern Bioinformatics and a better understanding of evolution, this definition is no longer necessary. Single nucleotide polymorphisms may fall within coding sequences of genes, Non-coding Regions Of Genes , or in the Intergenic Region s between genes. SNPs within a coding sequence will not necessarily change the Amino Acid sequence of the Protein that is produced, due to Degeneracy Of The Genetic Code . A SNP in which both forms lead to the same polypeptide sequence is termed ''synonymous'' (sometimes called a Silent Mutation ) - if a different polypeptide sequence is produced they are ''non-synonymous''. SNPs that are not in protein-coding regions may still have consequences for Gene Splicing , Transcription Factor binding, or the sequence of Non-coding RNA . Variations in the DNA sequences of humans can affect how humans develop Disease s, respond to Pathogen s, Chemical s, Drugs , etc. However, their greatest importance in biomedical research is for comparing regions of the genome between Cohorts (such as with matched cohorts with and without a disease). The study of single nucleotide polymorphisms is also important in crop and livestock breeding programs (see Genotyping ). SEE ALSO REFERENCES
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