The human body is made up of trillions upon trillions of cells. Each cell has a nucleus, inside that nucleus are chromosomes. Each chromosome is made up of miniscule deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) strands. Segments of that DNA code for hair color, eye color, height, body type, etc. In some cases, genes will mutate, thereby modifying the DNA code and resulting in a genetic disorder. A mutated gene can either be inherited or acquired in one’s lifetime.
Genetic disorders are obtained one of two ways, either a mutation in the body occurs or the “rogue” gene is passed down from predecessors. In the latter, the genetic information is copied to the child from the mother or father at the time of conception. There is a “battle” during the fertilization process of dominant or recessive traits. It is helpful to understand dominant and recessive modes of inheritance when …show more content…
Blood and bone marrow transplants are one example. New and healthy stem cells are transplanted from a matched donor and are put into the affected body. Stem cells are differentially categorized from other cells by two important characteristics. First, they are unspecialized cells who reproduce using cell division. Second, for physiological or experimental purposes, they can become tissue or organ-specific cells designed for certain specialties. In bone marrow, stem cells routinely divide to repair and replace worn out or damaged tissues. In other organs, however, such as the pancreas and the heart, stem cells only divide under special conditions. Introducing new stem cells to a body can help save a life. Unfortunately, often times the donor stem cells do not take to the new body. Without the presence of functioning stem cells the body is left without an immune system and red blood cells carrying oxygen throughout the
Genetic disorders are obtained one of two ways, either a mutation in the body occurs or the “rogue” gene is passed down from predecessors. In the latter, the genetic information is copied to the child from the mother or father at the time of conception. There is a “battle” during the fertilization process of dominant or recessive traits. It is helpful to understand dominant and recessive modes of inheritance when …show more content…
Blood and bone marrow transplants are one example. New and healthy stem cells are transplanted from a matched donor and are put into the affected body. Stem cells are differentially categorized from other cells by two important characteristics. First, they are unspecialized cells who reproduce using cell division. Second, for physiological or experimental purposes, they can become tissue or organ-specific cells designed for certain specialties. In bone marrow, stem cells routinely divide to repair and replace worn out or damaged tissues. In other organs, however, such as the pancreas and the heart, stem cells only divide under special conditions. Introducing new stem cells to a body can help save a life. Unfortunately, often times the donor stem cells do not take to the new body. Without the presence of functioning stem cells the body is left without an immune system and red blood cells carrying oxygen throughout the