Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common type of genetic variation across human populations, and are important for understanding biological variation. SNPs are differences in a single nucleotide – the building blocks of DNA – between individuals. They can be used to identify genetic risk factors that can contribute to disease and can be used as markers in genetic association studies to study the role of genetics in various diseases and conditions. SNPs are also used in pharmacogenomics, the study of how a person’s genetic makeup affects their sensitivity to drugs, in order to personalize medical treatments. SNPs provide powerful tools for scientists to better understand the human genome, enabling the discovery of new genetic associations for complex diseases and traits.