Date: 26/01/2025
Time: 10:30pm – 02:30am
Title: Genomics
I did self study on genomics, this refers to the study of genomes the complete set of genes present in an organism. Genomics studies the genetic makeup of individuals, uncovering variations that contribute to health, disease and individual’s traits. All living things has a genome. It is written in a chemical code called DNA.
Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid (DNA): This is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all living organisms. It is often described as the blueprint for life. It is a long, double-stranded helix. The two strands of DNA are complementary:
Adenine(A) always pairs with Thymine(A)
Cytosine (C) always pairs with Guanine (G)
These base pairs are held together by hydrogen bonds, and the sequence of these bases encodes genetic information.
Chromosomes: Chromosomes are structures within cells that contain the genetic material (DNA) essential for biological inheritance. They are long thread like structures made of DNA and proteins (mainly histones) that are found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. In humans, most cells contain 46 chromosomes (23 pairs), where one chromosome in each pair comes from the mother and the other from the father.
1. Autosomal: These are 22 pairs of chromosomes that are the same in males and females.
2. Sex Chromosomes: The 23rd pair determines biological sex. Females typically have two X chromosomes (XX), while this males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY)
Protein Synthesis: This is essential for cell function because proteins are involved in almost every process in the body. This includes cellular structure, immune responses, enzymatic reactions transport of molecules and more.
Genomics plays a crucial role in understanding the origins of diseases, such as cancer, where mutations in the DNA can cause abnormal cell growth. By identifying the genetic markers associated with these conditions, researchers can develop targeted therapies that directly address the molecular causes of diseases such as using specific drugs to inhibit the new talent stated proteins
Moving forward, I will ensure I deepen my understanding of genomics and its implications to allow me as a student Nursing Associate understand a patient’s genetic predisposition to certain diseases, which can help with personalized care plans including preventive measures, diagnosis, treatments and medication management. And also ensuring the information is used for the benefit of the patient.
KSB addressed:
K4: Understand the principles of research and how research findings are used to inform evidence based practice
K10: Understand the principles of epidemiology, demography, and genomics and how this may influence health and well-being outcomes
K16: Understand body systems and homeostasis, human anatomy and physiology, biology, genomics, pharmacology, social and behavioural sciences as applied to delivery care
K19: Know how and when to escalate to the appropriate professional for expert help and advice
K33: Understand when to seek appropriate advice to manage a risk and avoid compromising quality of care and health outcomes
K36: Understand the rules of the different providers of health and care
K24: Know how to support people with commonly encountered symptoms including anxiety, confusion, discomfort, and pain
S37: Participates in data collection to support audit activity and contribute to the implementation of quality improvement strategies