What is DNA?

DNA is a long chain molecule inside our cells that contains the genetic information that is the basis of all known life. DNA is often compared to a set of instructions or a blueprint. Not only does it carry the information needed to make an organism but also all the information needed for it to change, live from day to day and reproduce. These instructions are written in nucleotides; adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymine (or A, C, G, T). Each nucleotide is part of a matching pair along the double-helix-shaped chain of DNA.

How does DNA work?

DNA affects the body by controlling what proteins are made. The DNA acts as a recipe book for proteins; each recipe or gene corresponding to a particular protein.

What is a gene?

Gene is a functional unit of the DNA. In the DNA molecule the nucleotides are divided into groups of 3 called codons. Each codon corresponds to an amino acid. These groups of codons are split into genes and each functioning gene has a start codon indicating the beginning point for protein synthesis and a stop codon to terminate the process. When needed genes are copied into a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule during a process called transcription. mRNA molecules then carry the genetic information into the cell and are used to make proteins in a process called translation.

What are proteins?

A protein is a complex molecule which consists of hundreds or thousands of individual units called amino acids and some modifiers. Initially amino acids are linked together in a long chain. This chain in then folded into a complicated 3D shape with assistance of Golgi complex. The type of amino acids in the chain helps to determine how the chain folds up and the shape it makes as well as specifies location for posttranslational modifications. The 3D shape of each protein is the final stage in protein synthesis and it is what gives it its individual qualities. Twenty different types of amino acid are used in the chains that make proteins and messenger RNA molecule is used a template for protein synthesis.

What do proteins do?

Proteins are incredibly important and have two main roles.

1. Structural – they make up physical parts of an organism. These proteins make up such important tissues as muscles, hair and nails. The particular properties of structural proteins such as strength, colour, etc all depends on their molecular structure.
2. Chemical – they control chemical reactions that occur in the organism. To this group belong proteins called enzymes. Enzymes work by catalyzing chemical reactions, while remaining unchanged themselves. This is very important since enzymatic reactions are one of the important ways to control processes taking place in our bodies. 

How is DNA relevant to my health?

Everyone has sections of DNA that are unique to that particular individual and that includes both different variants of a gene available to the population and individually accumulated mutations. These variations in individual's genetic material are result in health problems, such as cancerous growths, metabolic problems and a wide variety of symptoms. Variations in genes may be beneficial in some circumstances, and problematic in others. One person’s genome that would protect them from starvation, could also lead to obesity in a time of plenty.

What can C2DNA do about this?

While science is a long way from being able to re-write the instructions in our genes, we are more and more able to understand the instructions in our DNA. This knowledge can help you make decisions that are right for you, and can help you avoid things that are of particular risk to you.

How does C2DNA chose which genes to test for?

All our tests are based on peer-reviewed extensive scientific research.

What is DNA sequencing?

Sequencing is the process of determining the exact order of nucleotides in a genome. In the decade since the human genome was first sequenced in its entirety, researchers have slowly begun to decode what specific nucleotide pairs indicate.

How accurate are the results?

C2DNA uses Sanger-method chain termination sequencing, which is the gold standard of DNA sequencing. Because this sequences the DNA directly, our sequencing is the most accurate possible (99.999%). Although the vast majority of these nucleotides do not vary from person to person, researchers have found specific nucleotide pairs whose variation indicates larger differences. When one nucleotide pair differs from one person to the next, it is called a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP).

Why should the sample be collected the same day as it is shipped?

When you collect a sample, the swab has cheek cells containing DNA on it.  If left at room temperature for an extended period of time, these cells and the DNA within them degrades, helped by the bacteria from your collected with the sample.  The degradation makes it so we are unable to get enough DNA to perform the test.  To avoid this degradation it is important to ship the sample the same day it is collected. 

Why shipping on Friday may cause inconclusive results?

When a package is shipped on Friday, it is not delivered until Monday.  This delay in delivery causes the swab to sit at room temperature, and the DNA collected may begin to degrade.  The degradation may cause an insufficient amount or poor quality of DNA present on the swab for us to successfully perform the test.  If you wait to collect and ship the sample Monday, the degradation will not occur. 

Why should I not drink tea or coffee for 30 minutes prior to sample collection?

Both coffee and tea contains the chemicals that cause cells to tighten and adhere to the cheek more firmly. The effect is temporary, but it may impede collection of sufficient amount of DNA to perform the test. 

How safe are the tests to perform?

There is no danger to you in the collection of the sample.  All you have to do is follow the instructions to collect cells from the inside of your cheeks. 

What kind of sample is needed?

You use a flocked swab that looks like a large Q-tip to follow the instructions provided to collect cheek cells containing DNA from the inside of your cheeks.  There are no needles involved. 

How large of a sample is needed?

One sample collection is all that is needed to provide enough DNA to obtain results. 

Where do I have to go for the sample collection?

We will send you a flocked swab via Purolator so you can collect the sample at home.  You then send the collected sample to us with the return Purolator envelope provided. 

What happens to the sample during and after the tests?

For the completion of the tests, any excess DNA is stored in the freezer in the laboratory with a barcode label for 2 weeks in case the test needs to be redone.  With the completion of the test all excess DNA is placed in a biohazard container which is then incinerated. 

How long do the tests take?

Your results will be available to you on the protected website 7-14 business days after we receive the sample.