- explain how DNA accounts for transmission of hereditary characteristics
- describe the key characteristics of the human genome and how it compares to other genomes
- outline the ways genes can be manipulated within a genome and between genomes
- provide examples of where gene therapy has been successful and where it has failed
- explain how the manipulation of genomes has far-reaching consequences for society and the environment
What Is DNA? How Does DNA Code for Life?
In 2003, the Human Genome Project was completed. Thousands of scientists from around the world had worked collaboratively to read the entire set of human genetic instructions. Surprising findings came out of the project. Humans have the same number of genes as a mouse and a chicken but fewer than a corn plant. Does that mean that humans are similar to mice and chickens? Phenotypically, no, but genotypically, yes.
Researchers are now focused on determining where the genes are located within the genome, and what each gene codes, or gives instructions, for. The first step is to determine the DNA sequence of each gene. After a gene sequence has been determined, researchers need to find out what the gene does. Research can then focus on trying to figure out what has happened if a gene is not coding for the correct biochemical product. For example, what is the gene coding for, or not coding for, in conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Huntington's disease, and Parkinson's disease? Why? Researchers know the function of only about half of human genes so far.
Once researchers determine why a gene is not working, they can try to develop a genetic therapy to offset the effect of the defective gene. Genetic therapy research is still in the experimental stage. It has had limited successes and many setbacks. Scientists have achieved limited success with conditions such as type 1 diabetes, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and deafness. Genetic procedures have to be perfected in animals such as mice and guinea pigs before human experimental trials can take place. Every day, scientists are working toward successful human genetic therapy.
In this chapter you will study the structure of DNA and how DNA structure codes for the diversity of life. You will explore what happens when there is a change, or mutation, in the DNA code. In addition, you will take a closer look at the human genome and compare it to genomes of other species. Finally, you will explore the emerging fields of genetic engineering and gene therapy, including groundbreaking research and applications of new genetic technology.
STARTING POINTS
Answer the following questions based on your current knowledge. You will have an opportunity to revisit these questions later, applying concepts and skills from the chapter.
1. What is DNA?
2. How might an understanding of the genetic code benefit individuals and society?
3. How might changes in an organism's DNA code be positive? How might changes in an organism's DNA code be negative?
4. What do you think are some of the the ethical considerations associated with genetic technology?
Genetics beyond Mendel
KEY CONCEPTS
After completing this chapter you will be able to
- describe the structure of DNA
- explain how DNA accounts for transmission of hereditary characteristics
- describe the key characteristics of the human genome and how it compares to other genomes
- outline the ways genes can be manipulated within a genome and between genomes
- provide examples of where gene therapy has been successful and where it has failed
- explain how the manipulation of genomes has far-reaching consequences for society and the environment
What Is DNA? How Does DNA Code for Life?
In 2003, the Human Genome Project was completed. Thousands of scientists from around the world had worked collaboratively to read the entire set of human genetic instructions. Surprising findings came out of the project. Humans have the same number of genes as a mouse and a chicken but fewer than a corn plant. Does that mean that humans are similar to mice and chickens? Phenotypically, no, but genotypically, yes.
Researchers are now focused on determining where the genes are located within the genome, and what each gene codes, or gives instructions, for. The first step is to determine the DNA sequence of each gene. After a gene sequence has been determined, researchers need to find out what the gene does. Research can then focus on trying to figure out what has happened if a gene is not coding for the correct biochemical product. For example, what is the gene coding for, or not coding for, in conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Huntington's disease, and Parkinson's disease? Why? Researchers know the function of only about half of human genes so far.
Once researchers determine why a gene is not working, they can try to develop a genetic therapy to offset the effect of the defective gene. Genetic therapy research is still in the experimental stage. It has had limited successes and many setbacks. Scientists have achieved limited success with conditions such as type 1 diabetes, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and deafness. Genetic procedures have to be perfected in animals such as mice and guinea pigs before human experimental trials can take place. Every day, scientists are working toward successful human genetic therapy.
In this chapter you will study the structure of DNA and how DNA structure codes for the diversity of life. You will explore what happens when there is a change, or mutation, in the DNA code. In addition, you will take a closer look at the human genome and compare it to genomes of other species. Finally, you will explore the emerging fields of genetic engineering and gene therapy, including groundbreaking research and applications of new genetic technology.
STARTING POINTS
Answer the following questions based on your current knowledge. You will have an opportunity to revisit these questions later, applying concepts and skills from the chapter.
1. What is DNA?
2. How might an understanding of the genetic code benefit individuals and society?
3. How might changes in an organism's DNA code be positive? How might changes in an organism's DNA code be negative?
4. What do you think are some of the the ethical considerations associated with genetic technology?
Monday, October 16th,2017
6.1 DNA and the Code of Life (Do questions #1-5)
DNA and mutations powerpoint
Tuesday, October 17th, 2017
6.2 Mutations (Do #3,4,5 and 7)
Wednesday, October 18th, 2017
*Pedigree Project Due today*
6.3 Genomes (Do questions #1-3,7,8)
Genomes powerpoint
Vacanti mouse (Happy Halloween ;) ): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QlWBnL0zjU
Replacing Body Parts (PBS NOVA): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLs8DeHVkec
Thursday, October 19th, 2017
6.4 Manipulating the Genome (Do questions #2,3)
6.5 Gene Therapy (Do question #5)
*UNIT PROJECT DUE MONDAY*
Tuesday, October 24th, 2017
Chapter 6 Self-quiz
Chapter 6 Review
Unit 2 Self-quiz
Unit 2 Review
Unit Test WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25th, 2017