Einzelnukleotidpolymorphismen

Einzelnukleotid-Polymorphismen, often abbreviated as SNPs (pronounced "snips"), are the most common type of genetic variation among people. A SNP is a variation in a single DNA building block, called a nucleotide. These variations occur when a single nucleotide—A, T, C, or G—in the DNA sequence is altered. For instance, at a specific position in the genome, one person might have a G nucleotide, while another person might have an A. These changes are typically inherited.

SNPs are found throughout the human genome, both in coding regions (which contain instructions for making proteins) and in non-coding regions. While many SNPs have no effect on health or development, some can influence an individual's susceptibility to diseases, their response to medications, or their physical traits. The study of SNPs is a fundamental aspect of genetic research, enabling scientists to understand the genetic basis of various conditions and to develop personalized medicine approaches. Their widespread presence and relative stability make them valuable markers for tracing ancestry, identifying disease-related genes, and conducting population genetics studies.