The Equine DNA Roadmap

The equine genome takes us on a journey from prehistoric times to a future of identifying and manipulating individual genes.
“Genome mapping.” It’s a phrase we hear a lot in the 21st century, an age of scientific advances the likes of invisibility cloaks and bioengineered body parts. But what exactly is this road through a species’ heritage, and what do the points along the map tell us about our animals and ourselves?
Before we answer these questions, here’s a quick refresher on DNA in general: Deoxyribonucleic acid is a double-stranded molecule that looks much like a spiraling ladder (Remember those charts on the wall in biology class?). First described in 1953 by Drs. James Watson, Francis Crick, and Rosalind Franklin, the DNA molecule’s double helix contains all of the information that makes up every living organism.
DNA is comprised of four nucleotide bases (proteins): adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). A pairs with T and C with G across the “ladder.” (Is it all coming back to you now, like a 9th grade biology test?) The DNA provides the narrative for every cell in the body, with sections (genes) coding for specific traits. The collection of genes that describes an entire organism is called the genome TheHorse.com is home to thousands of free articles about horse health care. In order to access some of our exclusive free content, you must be signed into TheHorse.com. Already have an account?Create a free account with TheHorse.com to view this content.
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