## Stereotypes in the portrayal of genetics in popular culture

Science fiction represents a wide space for various depictions of genetics and technologies derived from it, however, we often encounter several recurring stereotypes. One such stereotype is the creation of a dangerous monster by genetic engineering, or other type of immediate threat that humanity faces because of the reckless use of this type of technology. Another similar stereotype is a dystopian future in which humanity threatens its own existence and basic human rights and freedoms due to the uncontrolled use of genetic engineering techniques. The unfortunate feature of these stereotypes is that they usually portray genetic engineering in a negative light and, despite the clear benefits of its use, instil a sense of fear and threat in the consumers. A very common visual stereotype is the "scientist observing the model of double-stranded DNA". This type of visual display of DNA analysis is common in movies and comes from the widespread (and correct) idea of the spatial organisation of DNA. However, real DNA analyses do not usually use this type of secondary structure imaging and (unless the scientist in question is investigating this very property) it does not provide them with any useful information. Real analysis of DNA usually employs methods based on electrophoretic separation, where individual fragments form specific bands, or a more modern approach of sequencing, which determines the sequence of individual nucleotides in the analysed sample and writes them down in the form of text (if you are interested in how to analyse DNA properly, turn to chapter 4 – How to work with DNA). Since the inaccurate depiction of technologies based on recombinant DNA and overused stereotypes related to gene engineering in popular culture can significantly distort the image of ​​these techniques in the eyes of the common consumer of science fiction, it is important for all of us to carefully distinguish the facts from fiction in all media.