SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism)
A SNP is a tiny variation in a single letter of your DNA code that can significantly influence how your body functions — from how you metabolise caffeine to how you handle stress.
Deep Dive
Your DNA is a sequence of approximately 3 billion nucleotide base pairs. A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism, or SNP (pronounced 'snip'), occurs when just one of those letters — A, T, C, or G — differs from the expected sequence. While most SNPs are harmless, some sit within genes that control critical biological processes.
SNPs are the most common form of genetic variation in the human genome, with over 10 million identified to date. They can influence enzyme activity, receptor sensitivity, and protein folding. For example, the COMT Val158Met SNP determines how quickly you break down dopamine and adrenaline. A 'fast' variant clears stress hormones rapidly, making you calm under pressure but potentially low in motivation. A 'slow' variant lets these chemicals linger, creating intense focus but vulnerability to anxiety.
In functional genomics, SNPs are not viewed as defects but as variations that require different environmental inputs. By understanding your SNP profile, you can adjust your nutrition, supplementation, exercise, and stress management to match your genetic wiring — turning potential weaknesses into strengths.