What is a genetic variant or SNP?

We all have differences in our genes – changes to the DNA that get passed down from our ancestors. This makes us all unique.

A genetic variant, or a SNP, is just a different nucleotide base in a specific spot on your DNA. Where the majority of the population has an A, your data may have a G.

Many genetic changes make no difference at all to how the gene works. However, researchers have discovered that some variants cause a gene to work slightly differently.

Genetic Lifehacks is all about explaining the small changes in gene function due to genet variants.