{"id":953,"date":"2026-01-25T15:19:09","date_gmt":"2026-01-25T21:19:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zogen.local\/?p=953"},"modified":"2026-01-25T15:19:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-25T21:19:09","slug":"genetics-and-dna","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zogen.mx\/en\/genetica-y-adn\/","title":{"rendered":"Genetics and DNA. How is it extracted?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Genetics, as we know, plays a crucial role in each individual's health. Undergoing genetic testing can sound as complicated as understanding Mandarin. Therefore, we'll explain how DNA is extracted for different types of preventative and diagnostic health tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is DNA?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To begin, let's cover what DNA is and its role in the human body. The abbreviation DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, a complex molecule. This is the fundamental component of an individual's entire genetic makeup.<\/strong> DNA contains the instructions necessary to create and maintain life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These instructions are written in a code with four letters that correspond to four molecules: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G), which join in a specific way, A joins with T and C with G, forming a double helix or a spiral staircase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The complete DNA sequence is called the genome<\/strong>. This is essentially our genetic code. Every cell in our body, with few exceptions, contains a copy of our entire genome. You could imagine DNA as a single, long molecule that is free within the cells of our body, but it is always found in the cell nucleus and is also tightly bound to specific proteins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interestingly, although we all have very different characteristics among us, and it is our particular genetic code that determines our individual traits, most of the DNA (99,9%) is the same in all humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Differences between somatic and germline DNA<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is important to differentiate between somatic and germline DNA. During embryogenesis, all human beings are formed from the union of an egg and a sperm. The genome of the new living being will be made up of part of the mother's and father's DNA, and all the cells that arise from the zygote will have the same genetic material, known as germline DNA<\/strong>. As we age, tissues may acquire certain genetic variations or mutations that are not present in the rest of the body. Therefore, when we obtain a sample of a specific tissue and analyze its genetic material, this is known as... Somatic DNA.<\/strong> This is why there can be small differences between somatic DNA and germline DNA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Function of DNA: our genetic code<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We could define our genetic code as our life map. This means that DNA contains all the essential information necessary for our growth, reproduction, and health. Furthermore, although every cell has the same information, depending on its type, the specific information required for each cell will be activated, from neurons to muscle cells. Finally, DNA determines our defining characteristics, from our eye color to our love of sweets or whether we are prone to certain injuries or diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking at all these types of information contained in DNA, it's easy to see its relevance for study. Any change within the DNA sequence can lead to potential diseases, vulnerabilities, or genetic traits, depending on the type of genetic variation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Can DNA be extracted from blood?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So far, we've seen that DNA is present in virtually every cell in our body. Consequently, DNA can be extracted from blood; in fact, this is one of the most commonly used sources for DNA testing. However, leukocytes are the only blood cells that have a nucleus and, therefore, the only ones that actually contain DNA. Thus, extracting DNA from blood means specifically analyzing the DNA contained within leukocytes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How is DNA extracted from blood?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first step is to obtain a blood sample, which requires a qualified person or a phlebotomist to perform the puncture. It is a minimally invasive procedure. Once the blood sample arrives at the laboratory, technicians will process it to obtain purified DNA. This requires several devices and machines, as well as many reagents. The blood sample is centrifuged, meaning the blood is spun in a machine to separate its different components so that the cells can be easily extracted. Once the cells have been isolated, we need to extract the DNA. As you probably know, inside cells we can find many different organelles and structures that we need to purify the DNA. To do this, we need to lyse the cell, which means breaking down all the membranes, and then add a reagent called protease to remove all the proteins. Finally, after all these processes, we will have our isolated DNA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, there are devices and machines that allow the entire process to be automated, meaning you can introduce the blood sample into the system and obtain the isolated DNA sample.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why use blood to extract DNA?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to genetic testing, blood is an easily accessible resource, with a simple venipuncture yielding a plentiful amount of DNA, usually of high quality. Once blood has been drawn, it is recommended to perform the tests as soon as possible to prevent cell and DNA degradation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saliva as another source of DNA<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In recent years, saliva has been widely used for genetic testing. It can be easily obtained by inserting a cotton swab into the mouth and sliding it across the cheeks, or from saliva. The advantage of using saliva is that it allows for self-collection; there is no need for a trained professional to take the sample. It is a relatively quick procedure, and the sample can be stored at room temperature for longer periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other sources of DNA<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Apart from blood and saliva, there are other sources of DNA that can be used in different circumstances:<\/p>\n\n\n\n