Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)

Definition

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is a variation at a single position in a DNA sequence among individuals. SNPs are important genetic markers that can influence how diseases develop, how individuals respond to drugs, and can help trace the lineage of outbreaks, making them essential tools in molecular epidemiology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. SNPs are the most common type of genetic variation among people, with millions of them identified across the human genome.
2. They can affect how genes are expressed, potentially leading to differences in susceptibility to diseases and response to treatments.
3. In outbreak investigations, SNPs can help track the transmission pathways of pathogens by comparing genetic variations among isolates.
4. SNP analysis can assist in understanding population genetics and evolutionary biology by showing how certain traits or resistances spread through populations.
5. Identifying specific SNPs associated with diseases can lead to personalized medicine approaches, where treatments are tailored based on an individual's genetic makeup.

Review Questions

• How do SNPs contribute to understanding disease susceptibility and treatment responses in populations?
  • SNPs provide crucial insights into individual genetic variations that may influence the likelihood of developing certain diseases or responding to treatments. By identifying specific SNPs associated with various conditions, researchers can better understand the genetic basis for susceptibility. This information is valuable for developing targeted therapies and preventative strategies tailored to individuals' unique genetic profiles.
• Discuss the role of SNPs in tracking disease outbreaks and how they help in identifying transmission pathways.
  • In tracking disease outbreaks, SNPs serve as essential markers for differentiating between pathogen strains. By analyzing the SNP profiles of isolates from affected individuals, epidemiologists can reconstruct transmission pathways and identify how the outbreak is spreading. This molecular epidemiology approach allows for real-time monitoring and control measures to be put in place, significantly improving public health responses during outbreaks.
• Evaluate the implications of SNP research for future developments in personalized medicine and public health strategies.
  • SNP research holds significant implications for personalized medicine by allowing healthcare providers to tailor treatments based on an individual's unique genetic makeup. As more SNPs associated with diseases and drug responses are identified, it will lead to better prevention strategies and more effective interventions. Furthermore, understanding population-level SNP variations will enhance public health strategies by enabling targeted vaccinations and interventions during outbreaks, thereby optimizing resource allocation and improving health outcomes.

Related terms

Genetic Marker: A specific allele or DNA sequence with a known location on a chromosome that can be used to identify individuals or species.

Haplotype: A group of genes within an organism that was inherited together from a single parent, often used in the study of genetic variation.

Linkage Disequilibrium: The non-random association of alleles at different loci in a given population, which can provide insight into the inheritance of SNPs and their effects.