What are single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)?

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are defined as variations that occur at a single base pair position in the DNA sequence among individuals. These variations can manifest as substitutions, where one nucleotide is replaced by another, and they play a critical role in genetic diversity. SNPs can influence how individuals respond to drugs, develop diseases, and maintain overall health.

The importance of SNPs in genetics and genomics is significant because they are the most common type of genetic variation in humans. They can serve as vital markers for genome-wide association studies (GWAS), which examine the relationship between genetic variations and traits or diseases. Understanding SNPs is essential in nursing practice, especially in personalized medicine, where treatment plans can be tailored based on an individual's genetic makeup.

The other choices refer to aspects of genetic changes that are broader and involve larger-scale alterations than what is described in SNPs. Changes in entire chromosome structure encompass various mutations and abnormalities in larger DNA segments, while gene duplications involve the repetition of a segment of DNA, and loss of genetic material pertains to deletions. None of these concepts directly align with the precise definition of SNPs.