807F Fall 2026 Chromosomes, DNA and Genes—Simplified

This course explains what cells are and where our DNA is stored inside the cell’s nucleus. You will learn that the nucleus is the seat for chromosomes, DNA, and genes, and that only our genes are “coded” to make proteins that keep our bodies working. We will discover that 98% of our DNA, which cannot make proteins and are often dubbed “Junk DNA”, is anything but junk. Fifty percent of the junk DNA contains ancient viral gene segments inherited hundreds of millions of years ago which are crucial for our genes to function optimally. These viral DNA fossils control how our genes behave when we are healthy, but they also control how genes change—causing discomfort as we age, and in chronic diseases. Finally, we will appreciate how this knowledge is being exploited to improve diagnosis and treatment in human pathologies. Understanding your genes is becoming essential for modern, personalized health care. 

Suresh Mohla, an endocrinologist, did his post-doctoral training at the University of Chicago. He has 45 years of experience in cancer research including 25 years at the National Cancer Institute. He has taught courses on topics including cancer, aging, chronic diseases, microbiome, and viruses in our DNA.