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Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

Meaning

A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism, or SNP (pronounced ‘snip’), is a variation in a single base pair of DNA that occurs at a specific position in the genome, where the variable base is present in a significant portion of the population. These common genetic variations are the most frequent type of polymorphism and are responsible for many of the differences in human traits, including an individual’s susceptibility to certain diseases and their unique response to hormones, nutrients, and medications. Analyzing SNPs provides crucial data for personalized medicine.