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As of October 1, 2020, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) will no longer offer Genetics Home Reference as a stand-alone website. Instead, much of the content from Genetics Home Reference has been transferred to MedlinePlus, the NLM’s flagship website for health information for patients, families, and the general public.

Please visit MedlinePlus Genetics (https://medlineplus.gov/genetics) to access genetics information and learn more about this change.

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U.S. National Library of Medicine

Genetics Home Reference provides consumer-friendly information about the effects of genetic variation on human health.

Health Conditions

Learn about the signs and symptoms, causes, and inheritance of more than 1,300 health conditions with a genetic basis.

Browse A–Z

Genes

Find information about the function of more than 1,400 genes and see how changes in these genes are related to health conditions.

Browse A–Z

Chromosomes & mtDNA

Read about each of the 23 pairs of human chromosomes and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).

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Help Me Understand Genetics

Explore topics in human genetics, from the basics of DNA to genomic research and personalized medicine.

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Published: August 17, 2020

The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Users with questions about a personal health condition should consult with a qualified healthcare professional.