Genetics

World Book Student defines genetic engineering as “techniques that alter the genes (hereditary material) or combination of genes in an organism… Beginning in the 1970’s, scientists developed ways to reintroduce individual genes into cells or into plants, animals, or other organisms” (Rubenstein, 2015). Genetic engineering is a controversial subject not only in science but also in popular culture. Some research, such as stem cell research, has led to serious questions concerning ethics. Other…

set of genetic material, is now more than just science fiction. After 25 years of collecting and analyzing scientific research, altering the human genome is becoming a concrete reality (Yu-Wai-Man 1322). Genetically modifying the human genome is deliberately altering human genes for the purpose of producing offspring with those genetic changes. Majority of the research being conducted for genetically modifying the human genome is being conducted on mice. Likewise, using mice to study genetic…

understanding the causes of genetic diseases ushered in the need to diagnose and treat these diseases in order to benefit the population affected. In order to identify these genetic predispositions, genetic tests have to be done through laboratory methods. There are currently seven methods of genetic testing: diagnostic testing, predictive and pre-symptomatic genetic tests, carrier testing, prenatal testing, newborn screening, pharmacogenomic testing, and research genetic testing. Diagnostic…

6F4Z1003- Genetics, Adaptation and Diversity Practical Report Section 1- Calculations and Pedigrees 1. In DNA extraction the proteins absorb light at 260nm and 280nm, especially the aromatic acids. 2. 250µg to nm, 250 x 1000 = 250,000ng. 3. 200ng/ml = 0.2µg/ml. 150µg/ml = 150,000µg/ml 250,000pg/µl = 250µg/ml 1mg/ml = 1000µg/ml ● 150,00µg/ml - HIGHEST CONCENTRATION OF DNA ● 1000µg/ml ● 250µg/ml ● 0.2µg/ml - LOWEST CONCENTRATION OF DNA 4. Sodium dodecyl sulphate is used as a…

Evolving our Genetic Ideas Evolution was a recognized theory long before heredity was properly understood, however, Darwin has allowed us to understand human evolution to a far greater extent than he would have ever imagined. Genetics can be expressed in many different ways. The more often a specific phenotype is observed within the population may relate to how favourable that phenotype is for survival. This is because of relative frequency and lethality. Relative frequency is the number of…

Gene therapy consists of repairing abnormal genes which leads to disease. In the treatment of genetic maladies, drug genes are introduced into the diseased cells. These genes are the healthy genes that must replace the defective genes that are responsible for diseases. They are introduced into the disease cells using the vectors. Vectors are the safest means of transport from the healthy gene to the disease cells; This vector must contain the gene and be capable of conveying it and bringing it…

where it was found that the genetic correlation between major depression and generalized anxiety disorder in Swedish twins was estimated at +1.00 in females and +0.74 in males. Participants also shared environmental factors with a correlation of +0.59 in males and +0.36 in females. However, genetic risk factors contributed only around 25% to the genetic correlation between major depression and generalized anxiety disorder. The study showed that the majority of genetic covariance between these…

On Tuesday, our small groups discussed the ethical dilemmas that revolved around genetic engineering and whether or not it should be banned. This topic fascinated me since it is a new emerging technology that could greatly affect the human population. Although this technology is only in its infancy, it has lots of controversy. When I first thought about this topic I wondered why anyone wouldn’t want this technology to advance: there is the potential for unprecedented positive effects like…

baby naturally? Researchers have been saying that parents will be able to choose their child’s genes. This can be done by placing a sperm and an egg on a plate to be observed and modified. By PGD, preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and genetic therapy, human embryos can be checked for genetic defects and can be inserted genes that treat diseases. Of course, parents will always want their children to be healthy and successful. Being able to create designer babies might change the future both in a…

In today's society we are continuously advancing in our technology. Genetic engineering is the fastests way towards evolution for mankind. The movie Gattaca by Andrew Niccol gives us an example on how genetic engineering is used more commonly in the future. Now with the technology, we are given the opportunity to control our babies genetic and physical attributes. Genetic engineering is also creating a major concern on what we should or should not do while modifying our genes. I believe that…