1. Molecular Biology
The working of every cell depends on the accuracy of DNA Replication, Transcription and Translation. The three processes occur sequentially to facilitate the flow of genetic information and control the traits of an organism.
First, DNA Replication takes place. The double helix DNA splits into two strands, and each separated strand acts as a new strand of DNA with its own complete genome. Second, DNA is transcribed to mRNA during a process called Transcription. The mRNA carries the information needed for protein synthesis. Lastly, Translation occurs where mRNA directs protein synthesis with the assistance of the tRNA. (ATDBio, n.d.)
Figure 1: Replication, Transcription and Translation (Childs, 2001)
The study of replication, transcription and translation of genetic material is known as molecular biology. Molecular biology is a bottom-up approach to understanding human life. Though the exploration of molecular biology began in the 1930s, it really took off in the 1960s after the uncovering of the structure of DNA. (Coriell Institute for Medical Research, n.d.) Today, molecular biology is shaping our understanding of diseases. Through this reflection journal, I seek to explore preventative and curative phenomena in medical biotechnology, and determine their impact on the political, social and economic spheres.
2. Prevention and Cure
Three relatively recent medical advances are the vaccination for cervical cancer, genetic testing and preimplanation genetic diagnosis. These advances prevent diseases, diagnose diseases at an early stage, prescribe treatments through an understanding of genetic material and provide cures for diseases that were previously not treatable.
2.1. Cervical Cancer Vaccine
With a high mor...
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Genetics & IVF Institute (n.d.). What is PGD? Retrieved from http://www.givf.com/geneticservices/whatispgd.shtml
Genetics Home Reference (2014, May 20). What are the types of genetic tests? - Genetics Home Reference. Retrieved from http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/testing/uses
National Cancer Institute (n.d.). HPV and Cancer - National Cancer Institute. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/HPV
National University Hospital (2003, November). Genetic Testing- Why When and Whom. Retrieved from http://www.nuh.com.sg/wbn/slot/u3609/Education/Healthcare%20Professionals/Education%20&%20Training%20Opportunities/Bulletin/bulletin_33.pdf
World Health Organization (2013, September). WHO | Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs380/en/
It helps medics to find a direct genetic cause of the patient’s condition and target it with pharmaceutical or other therapies. The technology is used for the identification of DNA sequences that increase risks of current diseases and disorders; with this information carriers can start to make efforts to prevent them before the development of the problem. The video mentioned 200 actionable genes, structures that have direct links with a specific condition. Knowing about their presence, people have a chance to bring in preventive measures like taking anticoagulants in the case of identification of a thrombogenic gene. The technology led to the significant improvement of diagnostics and personalized treatments. It helped to find a rare, life-threatening mutation in case of Beery twins and assign a drug to a girl (Alexis) that returned her to a normal life. In the case of cancer genome sequencing led to the development of genetic drags, which target essential tumor genes and make malign structures to shrink. The video mentioned a product that works with the BRАF protein that induces cells to uncontrolled division; the drug led to the remission in the patient with metastasizing melanoma. Such treatment was effective in the case of cystic fibrosis. In the case of the breast cancer the technology helps to evaluate the aggressiveness of the condition and make a personalized decision about chemotherapy. The video also mentioned the pre-implantation genetic diagnosis – an early-staged technology that prevents the development of inherited disorders in
In order to do this a polymer of DNA “unzips” into its two strands, a coding strand (left strand) and a template strand (right strand). Nucleotides of a molecule known as mRNA (messenger RNA) then temporarily bonds to the template strand and join together in the same way as nucleotides of DNA. Messenger RNA has a similar structure to that of DNA only it is single stranded. Like DNA, mRNA is made up of nucleotides again consisting of a phosphate, a sugar, and an organic nitrogenous base. However, unlike in DNA, the sugar in a nucleotide of mRNA is different (Ribose) and the nitrogenous base Thymine is replaced by a new base found in RNA known as Uracil (U)3b and like Thymine can only bond to its complimentary base Adenine. As a result of how it bonds to the DNA’s template strand, the mRNA strand formed is almost identical to the coding strand of DNA apart from these
What is the human papillomavirus (HPV)? According to the US government’s National Cancer Institute, human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a collection of more than one hundred viruses, many types having the ability to grow tumors or polyps that are malignant and others benign. Certain of the viruses are capable of forming genital warts. The HPVs that cause the common warts on hands and feet are different from those that cause growth in the throat or genital area (Human Papillomavirus). Professors Joe Cummins and Dr. Mae-Wan Ho inform us that some types are associated with cancer, and are called “high risk” HPVs. Of the more than one hundred types of HPVs, over thirty can be passed on through sexual contact. Most HPV infections occur without any symptoms and go away without treatment over the course of a few years. However, HPV infection sometimes persists for many years, with or without causing detectable cell abnormalities. Infection from “High risk” types of HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. Pap smears have also led to earlier detection of these infections. Nearly all women who are sexually active will have HPV inf...
What has to happen for a gene to be transcribed? The enzyme RNA polymerase, which makes a new RNA molecule from a DNA template, must attach to the DNA of the gene. It attaches at a spot called the promoter.
With the kind of technology that is available to doctors and scientists, treatments and cures will begin to pop up as we continue to advance in technology. Genetic engineering is going to be the topic to look out for. With the incredible discoveries done from modifying genes, it has resulted to millions of lives saved. Vaccines had come a long way from the first discovery, inching towards the one hundred percent success rate. Fredrick made a ground breaking discovery with diabetes and provided a treatment and saved millions. Gene therapy began to prove itself in medicine as it reversed affects from a previously untreatable disease. Genetic engineering still has long ways to go, however it is a promising treatment that will bring us more treatment and cures in the future.
1. DNA replication is vital in the survival of species as through replication, identical copies of genes can be made, ensuring it is able to repair itself when it is damaged (through the process of mitosis).
Gene expression can be described as the conversion of information from genes into messenger RNA by way of transcription. Transcription happens in the nucleus, and is where RNA copies of DNA are produced. This process is facilitated by RNA polymerase, where one RNA nucleotide is added to an RNA strand. RNA polymerase is an enzyme used to produce transcripted RNA. It is responsible for constructing RNA chains, in the process previously described as transcription. RNA polymerase polymerizes the ribonucleotides and the 3’ end of RNA transcription. It is essential to life and found in all organisms. Also, it unwinds the DNA molecule, using it as a template, before synthesizing corresponding mRNA strands. mRNA, or messenger RNA, is part of a large group of RNA molecules that communicate information from DNA to ribosomes. mRNA contains adenine, uracil, guanine, and cytosine. Alternative to DNA which has thymine instead of uracil.
But what is the importance of DNA replication? If DNA did not replicate, the size of the genome would slowly halve until each cell died during meiosis and mitosis. Hence, due to the splitting of cells during those two processes it is important that DNA replicates itself.
The age of genetic technology has arrived. Thanks to genetic technological advancements, medical practitioners, with the help of genetic profiling, will be able to better diagnose patients and design individual tailored treatments; doctors will be able to discern which medications and treatments will be most beneficial and produce the fewest adverse side effects. Rationally designed vaccines have been created to provide optimal protection against infections. Food scientists have hopes of genetically altering crops to increase food production, and therefore mitigate global hunger. Law enforcement officers find that their job is made easier through the advancement of forensics; forensics is yet another contribution of genetic technology. Doctors have the ability to identify “high-risk” babies before they are born, which enables them to be better prepared in the delivery room. Additionally, oncologists are able to improve survival rates of cancer patients by administering genetically engineered changes in malignant tumors; these changes result in an increased immune response by the individual. With more than fifty years of research, and billions of dollars, scientists have uncovered methods to improve and prolong human life and the possibilities offered by gene therapy and genetic technology are increasing daily.
DNA is read with a two-step cell process. These two steps are transcription and translation. Transcription is the process in which a portion of the cells DNA plays the role of a template for the formation of the RNA molecule. RNA polymerase is then attached to the DNA template and begins to make new strands nucleotides to produce a complementary RNA strand. Transcription factors then help determine which DNA sequences should be transcribed.
(2013, 04). What are the types of genetic tests?. Your Guide to Understanding Genetic Conditions. Retrieved 04, 2014, from http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/testing/uses
It address the questions that are at the center of the medical field, such as what it means to be human, the role of technology in health care, and the boundaries of treatments involving advances in technology. Although human enhancement appears to have several positive affects, the negative affects are also great in number. Neither can be overlooked since this technology has the power to not only improve humanity, but also bring it to an all time low. By considering the factors that play into the outcomes of biotechnology, it is possible to answer the pressing questions at hand and to determine the circumstances in which biotechnology could result in beneficial
Discoveries in DNA, cell biology, evolution, and biotechnology have been among the major achievements in biology over the past 200 years, with accelerated discoveries and insight’s over the last 50 years. Consider the progress we have made in these areas of human knowledge. Present at least three of the discoveries you find to be the most important and describe their significance to society, health, and the culture of modern life. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a self-replicating molecule or material present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent in chromosomes. It encodes the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms and many viruses.
... and our futures. If gene therapy can counter such predispositions, it will become a very important part of the armory with which we combat disease. No longer, would someone that is born with a genetic disease or who develops cancer have the inability at the chance of a normal life. Gene therapy is the gift of life, ___. It has generated great expectations in society, in the last twenty years, already over 1,500 gene therapy protocols have reached the clinical stage for cancer and cardiovascular diseases. In the next twenty years, gene therapy will undoubtedly be an effective alternative to___ efforts and enable treatments of many diseases that over ____. Thus, gene therapy provides modern medicine within a new therapeutic tool that gives virtually unlimited possibilities to develop better, more efficient therapies that were once previously for incurable diseases.
The procedures that will be the future of modern medicine currently fall into the realms of taboo and fictional. These procedures encompass every aspect of medical science, from exploration of the human body, curing diseases, to improving a person’s quality of life. Many of these procedures are not very well known, while a few have been in the spotlight. These procedures include cloning, nano-robotics, retro-viruses, and genetic manipulation via gene-specific medications. For any serious breakthroughs in modern medical science, we must embrace these new forms of treatment instead of shying away from them. Second, I’ll attempt to explain how these methods and procedures could benefit mankind.