Asia's first Human DNA Bank coming up at Lucknow

Lucknow, Sep 11 (UNI) Asia's first Human DNA Bank (HDB) is fast coming up at the Biotech Park here.

This pioneering effort is aimed at enabling people get their DNA profile deposited with the bank by giving four drops of blood, and their from finger-print.

The HDB -- one of its kind in the world -- is being established by the Iqra Biotech Services.

Bank's Director Sayeed Ahmad said the DNA profile would come handy in cases of financial frauds and mistaken identities, which were registering a spurt in recent times.

''The DNA record would also help people in police and court cases,'' he added.

Dr Ahmad underlined the institution would chart a long way in medical education/training, scientific research and alleviation of diseases.

Meanwhile, Lucknow Biotech Park CEO Dr P K Seth told UNI here that there was already an Umbilical Cord Bank in Hyderabad, which was somewhat similar to the Human DNA Bank coming up in Lucknow.

''However, only pregnant women can benefit from the Umbilical Cord Bank, while at the HDB here, anyone irrespective of age, sex and marital status can get their DNA profile deposited,'' he added.

Dr Seth maintained the bank would help immensely in stem cell research that seeks to cure several diseases including cancer.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is a long macro-molecule that is the main component of chromosomes.

DNA is the material that transfers genetic characteristics in all life forms, constructed of two nucleotide strands coiled around each other in a ladder - like arrangement.

The genetic information of DNA is encoded in the sequence of the bases and is transcribed as the strands unwind and replicates.

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