Alpha-synuclein is the protein in my second DNA sequence. Alpha-synuclein’s function in a healthy brain is unknown , but it is known that this protein causes Parkinson’s disease or PD. Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the nervous system which causes one to not be able to control their normal movements. The way this works is that there is a malfunction and death of neurons in the brain , specifically substantia nigra, which is the movement control center in the brain. These dying neurons produce dopamine and as time goes on the amount dispersed decreases, therefore causing Parkinson’s disease. This disorder begins most commonly after age 50, known as late onset. But there is also different times of diagnosis such as, juvenile onset which
