DNA - The code of life
The connection with the subject “How long do animals live”
This is the only part in the series in which we compare humans with animals. In the part “How long do animals live”, we looked at differences in life expectancy and at a possible relationship, for example, with the number of heartbeats. All this in the hope of gaining important insights in this way.
Subsequently, we established that looking solely at life expectancy offers us hardly any starting points to make further progress.
And if there is actually anything interesting to discover, we end up with:
1. a chemical compound designated by the abbreviation DNA, and
and the processes that take place in relation to that DNA
By the way, that is not unusual, because the most important similarity between human, animal and even plant is that the cell forms the basic building block of all life. The hereditary information that determines how those building blocks are constructed and function is stored in the DNA. Below you can see an image of DNA.
Difficult?
Yes, of course this looks difficult. On the left you can see the familiar double spiral of DNA, also known as the helix. Between the two strands you can see coloured bars. These always go together in fixed combinations: A pairs with T and G pairs with C. On the right you can see the chemical diagrams of those building blocks. If you have never studied chemistry, that quickly looks complicated.
Do not be afraid
We will not go deeply into that chemistry. For us, it is mainly important what DNA means for life. You will soon see that this significance is enormous. And all those pictures of the building blocks? Just think of LEGO bricks that fit together in a fixed way
In the past, we could only identify someone using fingerprints. Now we use DNA. This image shows a “DNA profile” as used in forensic investigation. We will come back to this.
What actually is that… DNA?
A molecule
DNA is a molecule found in the cells of living organisms. It contains the hereditary information that determines how an organism is built and how it functions.
We also say that an organism's hereditary information is stored in its DNA. It is almost unimaginable, but every human cell contains about two metres of DNA. That only fits because it is folded up very tightly. Therefore, a huge amount of information is present in every cell.
Genes: the recipes of life
A gene is a piece of DNA with information for making a specific protein or for controlling processes in the cell. Humans have more than 20,000 genes. You can compare a gene to a recipe for making a specific protein. Proteins have many different functions in our body and are important for the structure and functioning of our cells.
Half of your genetic material comes from your biological mother and the other half from your biological father. Because of this unique combination, every person is genetically different.
Chimpanzee
Strikingly small differences
Nevertheless, it is striking that, from a genetic point of view, the differences between people are very small. Approximately 99.9% of the DNA of all humans is identical. Even when we compare human DNA with that of our closest relative, the chimpanzee, it appears there is still approximately 98–99% of correspondence.
Here are two more comparisons:
The cat
For the cat lovers in the audience: we appear to be surprisingly similar genetically to our pet cats! Many of the genes that determine how we look, how we fight diseases and how our metabolism works are practically the same.
The mouse
Although a mouse obviously looks completely different from a human, the “basic blueprint” for a mammal is very similar. We need a heart, lungs, a circulatory system and a brain. The instructions for building all of that are largely the same.
Why is this knowledge important to you?
The subject of longevity — living a healthier life for longer — affects everyone. For years, we have been flooded with books and videos about healthy living. Yet in recent years, something important has changed: the science behind ageing is developing at breakneck speed and has provided new insights.
Getting better and better understand Researchers are investigating why certain lifestyle habits influence our health and the rate at which we age. Tests are now also available that aim to give an indication of your biological age. These are interesting, but must be viewed with the necessary caution.
An important part of this new knowledge relates to DNA and the processes that determine how that DNA is read and used. The subject of “the epigenome”, which is yet to be discussed, also plays an important role in this.
Precisely because longevity is such a popular topic, all kinds of exaggerated claims and clever sales pitches are appearing too. Not everything that is promised is scientifically well-founded. That is why it is important to first understand what it is really about. Because making good choices starts with understanding well.
Duration and prior knowledge
Who is this series for?
For everyone. You don't need any prior knowledge. Whether you are a beginner or already know a bit about the subject, you will discover step by step why this topic is so important.
How long does it take?
You will go through this part in about 1 hour. If you want to know more, you can also view additional articles and videos. That will take a bit longer, but that too is well worth it.
Accountability
What the book is about
This course is partly based on the book The future of ageing by emeritus professor Dr Ir Kasper Boon. This book covers recent scientific breakthroughs that are profoundly changing our thinking about ageing. The emphasis is on the role of DNA, the epigenome and other biological processes associated with ageing. The book also shows how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is helping researchers to understand these processes better and better. This is giving rise to new expectations regarding the slowing down of ageing and possibly also forms of rejuvenation.
2. The added value of this online series
Although the book provides a good basis for reading everything calmly on paper, this online series has a number of additional benefits:
Interaction
With videos and question-and-answer games, the explanation becomes livelier and more active.
Floor
For some topics, we go into more detail.
Visual aids
Using images and videos, we make complex processes within our cells transparent step by step.
Questions or assignments
In this course you will sometimes come across questions or assignments. Above all, don't let that put you off! After all, you are under no obligation whatsoever. They are purely intended as extra depth for anyone who fancies it. So feel free to just skip them.