DNA - our genetic blueprint

The human blueprint was thus decoded. They contain our entire genetic material and determine who and how we are. The then U.S. President Bill Clinton said: "Now we are learning the language with which God created life. But there is still a lot of new vocabulary to learn.

Each gene consists of two acid threads (RNA) which are connected to base pairs like rungs (alleles) of a ladder, except that this ladder is twisted into a helix. These rungs or base pairs can occur in four different variations as adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C) or thymine (T). It is precisely these variations that account for the differences in us humans.

In extensive human genetics research projects, we find out which gene constellations with which base pair cause which characteristics; whether one has blue or brown eyes, protruding or clinging ears, is susceptible to diseases or has stamina etc. This is what science calls predisposition, we call it disposition. Knowing our predispositions makes us more aware people and gives us the ability to either do something about it or against it. In the past we called it talent or fate, today we know it, it is in the genes.

But although human genetics is currently the fastest growing scientific discipline within medicine, with about one million new scientific publications per year, we only understand a small part of the whole field of genetics. About 3,200 genes have been sufficiently scientifically researched to make sound evidence-based statements. Among them, however, are some of the most exciting human genes. About 250 genes are known to directly influence athletic performance. And every year, there are significantly more.

If we calculate the theoretical maximum variation in how genes can be arranged, we arrive at 700 trillion possible variations. This means statistically that every human being is truly unique, has his own unique blueprint. With an average of about 2,000 gene errors, which are hopefully allotted to insignificant gene sections.
If one wanted to read aloud the letter sequence of the base pairs of an entire human genome, it would take about 100 years, so complex and extensive is the sum of our genetic material.

The genetic blueprint is already determined at birth. Half comes from the mother, the other half from the father. Thus, genetics does not change during a lifetime. However, the "volume" of the genetic characteristics can be influenced by personal lifestyle. Positive characteristics can be strengthened, negative ones can be softened or even "switched off". In science, this is called epigenetics and describes the conscious influencing of genetic predispositions through targeted intervention measures. In this way, we determine how we deal with and pass on our genetic predisposition through our personal lifestyle.