DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA is the molecule that carries the genetic information used by a cell for the creation of proteins. DNA contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms. The main role of DNA molecules is the long term storage of genetic information. DNA is often compared to a set of blueprints for humans.
The genetic code was a mystery until biologists discovered the structure of DNA as a spiral ladder. The information in DNA is stored as a code made up of four chemical bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). Each step of the ladder is a pair of bases, and an A only binds to a T and C only binds to a G. DNA is a chemical sequence of these bases in two strands that are bound to form a double helix. The order of these bases along a DNA strand is known as the DNA sequence. More information is available at this link
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DNA Day commemorates the discovery of the structure of DNA in 1953 and the successful completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003. Completed in 2003, the Human Genome Project was a 13-year project coordinated by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institutes of Health. The primary goal of the project was to determine the sequence of chemical base pairs which make up DNA and to identify the approximately 20,000-25,000 genes of the human genome. As a result of the Human Genome Project, a Congressional resolution designated April 23th as the National DNA Day.
DNA Day is a unique day when people can learn more about genetics and genomics. UIC-Midwest Latino Health Research Training and Policy Center, the Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders, and the Genetic Program of the Illinois Department of Public Health will be leading numerous educational activities leading up to 2010 DNA day.
Print the Newborn Screening brochure
Print the Family Health History brochure
Breast Cancer Information
•Genetic Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer
•BRCA1 and BRCA2
•Illinois Genetic Centers
•Poster for Genetic Testing
•Letter to Physicians
See a video on the importance of DNA Day: DNA - The Next Generation
•Celebrate DNA Day with the National Human Genome Research Institute
On April 23 from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Eastern the National Human Genome Research institute will host its annual DNA Day Chatroom. Genomics and genetics experts from across the country will gather to answer question from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research to the genetic basis of disease to ethical questions about genetic privacy. Log onto www.genome.gov/DNADay to participate in the live, online chat. Visit www.genome.gov/DNADay to read last year’s chatroom.
•Outreach Work with Illinois Health Departments
From April 19 to April 30 activities will be planned by Illinois Health Departments to celebrate DNA Day. Contact your local health department to find out about events in your area.
•Genetic Counselors Involvement in the Community
From April 19 to April 30 genetic counselors will be planning presentations and activities in the local area. More events will be listed shortly.
Tool Kit for IDPH Genetic Grantees
•Family Health History Promotion Ideas for Your Community
•Your Body, Your Future
•U.S. Surgeon General’s family health history power point presentation
•U.S. Surgeon General’s “Family health history fact sheet”
•Family health history brochure
•Newborn screening brochure
•List of family health history online resources
•List of Illinois genetic providers and clinic sites
•Family health history classroom pedigree activity
•National Society of Genetic Counselors “How to Record Your Family Health History” tool
•IDPH’s “What to Ask Your Genetic Counselor” fact sheet
•Illinois Teratogens Information Service - information sheet
Tool Kit for College Wellness Centers
•Family Health History Promotion Ideas for Your Community
•Your Body, Your Future
•U.S. Surgeon General’s family health history power point presentation
•U.S. Surgeon General’s “Family health history fact sheet”
•Family health history brochure
•List of family health history online resources
•List of Illinois genetic providers and clinic sites
•Family health history classroom pedigree activity
•National Society of Genetic Counselors “How to Record Your Family Health History” tool
•IDPH’s “What to Ask Your Genetic Counselor” fact sheet
•Illinois Teratogens Information Service information sheet
•9th to 12th grade students are invited to participate in the 5th Annual National DNA Day Essay Contest. This is an international contest. The deadline is March 15, 2010 by 5:00 PM Eastern.
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•National Human Genome Research Institute: DNA Day
Go to this website to learn about 2010 DNA day activities nationwide.
•Learn Genetics. The University of Utah.
This website has a lot of information but try starting with the “Where to Begin” section of the page.
Resources for Teachers
•Genetic Education Center – University of Kansas Medical Center
This site is For educators interested in human genetics and the human genome project. It includes lesson plans, glossaries and program activities.
•Genetic Science Learning Center – University of Utah
In the upper right hand corner there is a tab to click on for Teacher and Resources and Lesson Plans
•National Human Genome Research Institute –educational resources
This website has videos, presentations, online educational modules and many other useful tools.
•National Institute of Health – Teacher’s Guide
The Teacher’s Guide includes an introduction to the module, understanding human genetic variation, implementing the module, manual for student activities, and additional resources.
Genetics and Genomics
•Genetic Alliance
This site allows you to search for information by disease an organization while you explore the information the Genetic Alliance offers.
•Understanding Genetics: A guide for Patients and Professionals
This comprehensive manual provides a wealth of genetic education materials for patients and health professionals to increase awareness of specialty care in genetics.
•National DNA Day- National Human Genomic Research Institute
This website has information about national DNA Day and all the activities related to this annual event.
•American College of Medical Genetics
The American College of Medical Genetics website provides education, resources and a voice for the medical genetics profession.
•National Society of Genetic Counselors
Discover the genetic counseling profession and its guiding principles. You can ead about their mission and vision, meet the officers, and learn about where they stand on issues in genetics today.
•U.S. Surgeon General’s Family Health History Initiative
Learn about the Department of Health and Human Services and Surgeon General’s Family History Initiative.
Genetic Disorder Resources
•March of Dimes-Newborn Screening Tests and Disorders
This webpage discusses new born screenings and the 29 disorders for which treatment is available.
•National Library of Medicine: Genetic Disorders
This website is a good place to start when looking for information about Genetic Disorders. It has everything from a general overview to specific conditions and disease management.
•New York Online Access to Health
This bilingual site allows offers a searchable quality-filtered consumer health information.
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