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Don't Be Shy - Show 'Em Your DNA!
Anyone who has watched a trial or a crime show knows of the importance of DNA. Like your fingerprints, DNA is a unique molecule which is present in most of the cells in your body. The "strand" is a chain of bases which pair together. The order in which your pairs occur is what makes you genetically one-of-a-kind. And now you can find out just how unique you are, with a Home DNA Sampling kit from CATGee. STEP ONE: GET THE KIT ($29.95) The first step in the DNA sampling process is to obtain the CATGee kit. Arriving in a cool metal box the size of a DVD case, the CATGee package includes detailed instructions and two foil packets containing: 3 sample swabs, 1 storage card and storage pouch, a postage-paid return envelope with inner storage envelope and a pair of latex gloves. The kit actually serves two purposes: to send a sample of your DNA to CATGee for analysis and to store your own DNA long-term (useful if you are kidnapped or want to prove you didn't commit a crime).
The technology CATGee uses to store your DNA is painless (rubbing skin cells from your cheeks) and reportedly used by law enforcement agencies and laboratories worldwide. Although the company does not know how long the samples will remain intact, the technology is eleven years old, and the samples created at inception are still intact, so you've got more than a decade before you need to worry about ordering another kit. STEP TWO: HAVE CATGEE ANALYZE YOUR DNA ($60.00) Once you've captured your DNA with the kit, you can send it off to CATGee using the postage-paid return envelope. Within 30-60 days, you'll receive a set of results which the company has dubbed a "CATGee Code." In reality, it is the identification of your XX or XY chromosomes (which determines whether the sample is from a male or female) and a measurement of 10 key STRs (Short Tandem Repeats) which appear in your DNA. According to a report by John M. Butler and Dennis J. Reeder, the odds of your sample matching another random sample are approximately 1 in 3 trillion. However, these 10 STRs are also used in paternity suits, so if you're entire family has their DNA analyzed, you can see how the children receive DNA traits from their parents.
STEP THREE: THE MARKETING BEGINS Once you've become a member, you can order personalized CATGee merchandise that have your actual DNA profile emblazed right on the items. Currently, CATGee only offers a bright orange shirt and a dark green sweatshirt, shown below. Additional CATGee Club products from pillowcases to stationary should be available later in 2003.
DNA=DOES NOT APPEAL? With shipping, you're realistically looking at a Ben Franklin just to sample and analyze your DNA. Is $100 worth knowing you aren't genetically related to your girlfriend? Add to the fact that you'll probably have to pay for her test too, and you've got quite an expensive little endeavor here. But the kit and all of the activities it will inspire is fun, and there's nothing quite as romantic as wearing your lover's DNA on your shirt. -Just ask Monica Lewinsky!
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