Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common type of genetic variation, involving a change in a single nucleotide in the DNA sequence. They can occur in both coding and non-coding regions, with some SNPs influencing gene expression and disease susceptibility, while others may impact drug metabolism. SNPs are valuable in genetic mapping for tracking disease inheritance patterns.

1. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)
• Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) are the
most common type of genetic variation among
individuals.
• An SNP involves a difference in a single nucleotide
— A (adenine), T (thymine), C (cytosine), or G
(guanine) — in the DNA sequence.
• For example, in a given stretch of DNA, the
sequence AACGTA might have an SNP that
changes it to AATGTA.

2. Characteristics
• Location: SNPs can occur in both coding and
non-coding regions of DNA.
• Function: While many SNPs are neutral and do
not affect health or development, some can
have significant effects by influencing gene
expression or protein function.

3. Examples
• SNPs can be associated with diseases: Certain
SNPs may increase the risk of developing specific
diseases, such as cancer or heart disease.
• Affect drug responses: SNPs can influence how
individuals metabolize drugs, which is crucial for
personalized medicine.
• Be used in genetic mapping: SNPs serve as
markers to track inheritance patterns of diseases
within families or populations.