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Single Nucleotide Polymorphism

Meaning

A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism is a variation in a single base pair in a DNA sequence among individuals or paired chromosomes. These common genetic variations, where one nucleotide is substituted for another, serve as biological markers that can influence an individual’s response to medications, susceptibility to disease, and hormonal metabolic pathways. Identifying specific SNPs is central to the practice of personalized medicine.