...Assignment 2: Gene Therapy Brandi Williams Professor Mintesinot Jiru Introduction to Biology SCI 115 August 31, 2014 Gene Therapy Technology What is gene therapy? According to the "Genetics Home Reference", gene therapy is an experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease. Gene therapy has many factors that allows them to work or sometimes not. Below I will explain gene therapy's importance and how it works. Gene therapy is a treatment that involves altering the genes inside your body's cells to stop disease. (MayoClinic Staff) Also, gene therapy replaces a faulty gene or adds a new gene in an attempt to cure disease or improve the the body's ability to fight disease. Disease can be caused by the genes not working properly, but there's a wide range of disease including, cancer, cysyic fibrosis, heart disease, diabetes, hemophilia and AIDS, that gene therapy holds promise for treating. Also, researchers are still standing how and when to use gene therapy. (MayoClinic Staff) Social and ethical implications of gene therapy is complex and still has underlying concerns that need to be evaluated before being out on the market. Only through clinical trials gene therapy had been tested and successful, but because scientists and doctors not knowing the effectiveness of gene therapy; there are still precautions. For this reason, even though it may have been successful and beneficial for others, some mau not be as fortunate and that will cause another set of problems...
Words: 733 - Pages: 3
...Murder Gene This is not a scientific or forensic expert term per se but is a term made popular by the media to refer to particular variant of the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene which apparently predisposes an individual to disproportionate violence under any condition that triggers the carrier of that gene sequence to violence. As referred to in Mobley v State, "a possible genetic basis for violent and impulsive behavior in certain individuals." Also known as the rage gene and even more commonly, the warrior gene because of the theory that persons with this gene would likely have been the most efficient: berserk warriors on a field of battle. The murder gene, the theory goes, suggests that behavior and activities from infancy into childhood, and through adulthood, were not the products of free will as society defines this term because the individual lacked the ability to make non-impulsive, considered choices about his life's path.1 Authors Ishikawa and Raine suggest, in their 2002 article, that though then viewed by the courts as exotic evidence: "There are simply too many studies, in too many countries, using different methodologies that converge on the same conclusion: genes do play a role. Second, other, potentially less controversial fields of behavioral trait research have not only identified heritability in psychiatric disorders such as autism, schizophrenia and reading disability, but also in personality traits such as political conservatism. "Thus, it would...
Words: 255 - Pages: 2
...Gene Therapy Introduction to Biology 115 Gene Therapy Many medical conditions, disorders, and diseases for centuries went without cures and caused discomfort and even death. Doctors and scientists have worked together regarding many cases in hopes of finding cures for patients and changing the future of modern medicine. The use of gene therapy in the last four decades has been instrumental in many ways. Gene therapy is responsible for the treatment of cancer, diabetes, aids, hemophilia, heart disease, and cystic fibrosis to name a few. Biological Basis In 1865, Gregory Mendel was a fore runner with gene studies which identified the genetic traits that would later lead to revolutionary biological science. Mendel was responsible for providing research for his experiments with plants. The experiments successfully led him to the conclusion that the offspring from mutations could be classified as generational. This theory was correct and laid the foundation for many other scientific studies to eventually lead to significant advancements in genetic study. In the 1960’s scientists exposed the genetic codes which led to decades of discovery to include genetic maps, DNA and RNA sequences, and multiple data strands. Gene therapy was introduced in 1990 with a clinical trial study on a 4 year old little girl suffering from adenosine deaminase deficiency (ADA); which is a severe combined immune deficiency brought on by a mutation of enzymes within a cell. (Gene Med, 2015)...
Words: 1437 - Pages: 6
...Gene technology carries with it social and ethical implications—many of which engender personal views and discussion. Select one (1) of the following biotechnology topics to write about: * Genetically modified animals 1. Biological basis. Describe the technology. Discuss what it accomplishes. Elaborate on the scientific principles that make this technology possible. Your goal in this section of the paper is to show the instructor that you understand the underlying science behind the technology. Describe how exactly the technology works. Discuss the biological principles that underlie this technology. Genetic engineering is the use of tools of modern biotechnology and molecular biology to introduce new characteristics or traits into organisms. It is a laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one species are extracted and forced into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal to introduce new genetic material, or delete or alter existing genetic material. Genetic engineering comes from foreign genes of bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or even humans which enables people to introduce a much wider range of new characteristics into an organism than is possible by conventional breeding. Animals that have had genes artificially added or removed from their DNA are described as genetically modified animals. Genetic modification of an animal involves altering its genetic material by adding, changing or removing certain DNA orders in a way that does not occur...
Words: 1101 - Pages: 5
...Gene therapy is the transplantation of normal, healthy genes into cells in place of missing or defective ones in order to repair or replace the diseased causing cell, genes. How it works is correct the genetic disorders, like sickle cell, brain cancer and other cancerous cell and viral infections. Biotechnologist have found that there is still no quick rout to achieving this. Gene therapy is still at its experimental stages of treatment, but some of their findings have been promising. The gene therapy starts with a virus. The Genetic engineers then extract the genetic coding from the virus, replacing it with a therapeutic gene that is designed to produce proteins that help fight certain illness. Proteins are then added to the virus. The protein is placed on top of the virus. It then attaches itself to the cell that is causing the disease or virus. This the new genetic code. The new gene with the virus is then injected into a patient or patients. It will then to try get through the body’s immune systems. Sometimes the immune system will attack and destroy the virus before it able to reach the diseased or cancerous cells. The virus only attaches to cells that are compatible to its receptors. When the diseased causing cell starts to respond to the proteins the virus attaches itself to the surface and the cell receptors draws the virus inside this called endocytosis. The virus which contains a genetic coding for enzymes is called integrase. Next the enzyme...
Words: 705 - Pages: 3
...THE GAY GENE The good ol’ nature vs. nurture debate; it’s been around for ages. Scientists still to this day are trying to figure out whether it’s our genetics or the environment we are surrounded by that determines the characteristics of us human beings. I think its safe to say that society accepts the fact that our genes establish biological factors such as our height, blood type eye color etc. What about our social behavior? Genes explain anatomy of a human being but they don’t explain why some people act the way they do. It can’t explain why some people are smarter then others, why people are more violent then others or why some people choose to be homosexual. Those types of social characteristics are determined strictly by your surroundings. Our society, environment, education and parental/neighborhood behavior are part of what makes us who we are. Genes can determine how you look but can’t determine how you act. Homosexuality is a hot topic of debate among us in today’s world. From same-sex marriage to Gays and Lesbians adopting children with their partners; there is a lot of ethical questions to be answered when it comes to those topics. When trying to answer these questions we need to get to the root of the issue, is homosexuality a choice or is it something you are born into? Nature or Nurture? Some popular arguments that I will be critiquing in this paper in support of gay marriage are as follows: 1. Homosexuality is a result of genetic and biological...
Words: 753 - Pages: 4
...Assignment 2: Gene Therapy Science 115 – Introduction to Biology March 1, 2014 Gene therapy is the transplantation of normal genes into cells in place of missing or defective ones in order to correct genetic disorders (Genetics home reference, n.d). This is a promising treatment for diseases such as inherited disorders, some types of cancer, and certain viral infections. The way this treatment works is by introducing genetic material into cells to compensate for genes that are abnormal or are not making beneficial proteins. Mutated genes can cause a protein to be faulty or missing, so a new copy of the gene is introduced to proper function of the protein. This is still a very risky technique and is under study to make sure it will be safe and effective. Currently, it is only being used to treat diseases such as severe combined immunodeficiency—also referred to as SCID or boy-in-the-bubble syndrome—where patients are unable to fight infection and die in childhood (Scientific American, n.d). A further break down of the processes of gene therapy will help to understand exactly how to treatment works. A gene cannot be inserted directly into the cell or it will not function. A carrier called a vector has been genetically engineered to deliver the gene to the cell. This vector can be used in two ways: in-the-body gene therapy and out-of-the-body gene therapy. In-the-body therapy can be injected or given intravenously (through an IV) directly into a specific tissue...
Words: 867 - Pages: 4
...together, only DNA is the body’s manual for making you who you are. DNA exist in every living being not just humans. It is responsible for making all the structures and materials that our bodies need to function. Every individual has their own DNA that is not like anyone else’s. However, the cells of an individual contains the DNA, which most importantly is needed to create a unique make up for that person. With dominant genetic disorders, it is only necessary for an individual to be affected by one autosomal dominant disorder. Another words, usually a child will only have one parent that has the disorder and when the parents conceive, the child then has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated gene. Recessive genetic disorders are caused when an individual receives two defective genes, one from each parent. An example of a dominant genetic disorder is Neurofibromatosis. There are two types of NF, there is NF1, and NF2. I have Neurofibromatosis type 1, and with this an individual has neurofibroma tumors that grow on the nerve endings from on the outside of their body. NF type 2 is very uncommon, more so than NF1. With NF2 an individual will have many of the tumors on their cranial and spinal nerves, along with tumors that will affect both of the auditory nerves which could cause hearing loss. Both my girls also have NF1, and my youngest daughter has one of the tumors growing on her bilateral optic nerve, therefore, she has to have MRI test done every six months to once a year...
Words: 1837 - Pages: 8
...Assignment 2: Gene Technology Felicia White Strayer University Professor Allen May 29, 2016 Science has advanced with the evolution of biotechnology. Animals models through genetic manipulation has greatly helped the development of scientific and biomedical knowledge. New ideas for treatment of genetic diseases and other diseases that benefit human and all living things The initial studies of George Mendel in 1865, researchers have contributed to the understanding and the consolidation of his idea which until then was only promising. (Chaible, 2010) During decades of studies important events took place such as discovery of relationship of DNA with the transmission of genetic traits, DNA cloning and sequencing, and allowing the production of the production of the first transgenic mice. (Chaible, 2010) The start of the 20th century, the appearance of the first genetic studies involving animal models. Mutant animals appeared in production colonies, differing from their parents and able to pass on this to their offspring. Rudolph Jaevisch published the first report of introduction of an exogenous DNA virus(SV40) into mouse embryos. (Chaible, 2010) Gordon and Ryddle reported the birth of a mouse that had been genetically modified through microinjection of purified DNA into single-cell mouse embryos. This methodology marked the birth of transgenesis and controlled genetic alteration in animal models. (Chaible, 2010) Some types of genetically modified animals are transgenic...
Words: 509 - Pages: 3
...Gene Therapy SCI115 Introduction to Biology Professor Cassie Prisco November 28, 2014 Gene therapy is a rapidly growing field of medicine in which genes are introduced into the body to treat diseases. It is the name applied to the treatment of inherited diseases by corrective genetic engineering of the dysfunctional genes. It is part of a broader field called genetic medicine, which involves the screening, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of hereditary conditions in humans. The results of genetic screening can pinpoint a potential problem to which gene therapy can sometimes offer a solution. Genes represent the genetic material that organisms pass on from generation to generation. Therefore, genes are responsible for controlling hereditary traits and provide the basic biological code or blueprint for living organisms. Genes produce protein such as hair and skin as well as proteins that are important for the proper functioning of organs. Mutated or defective genes often cause disease. The purpose of gene therapy is to replace a defective gene with a normal copy of the same gene in attempt to restore function. Initially conceived as an approach for treating inherited diseases, like cystic fibrosis and Huntington's disease, the scope of potential gene therapies has grown to include treatments for cancers, arthritis, and infectious diseases. Although gene therapy testing in humans has rapidly advanced, in general, the field of gene therapy has proven to be problematic...
Words: 1478 - Pages: 6
...INTRODUCTION The Secrets Behind Gene Knockout Technology Presently, knockout gene technology or gene knockout technology (abbreviation: KO) allows experimenters to inactivate specific genes within an organism and determine the effect of this on the functioning of the organism. Also, they are used in learning about a gene that has been sequenced, but which has unknown or incompletely known function. Genes can be knocked out in microorganisms as well as organisms of greater complexity, such as mosquitoes, flies, and worms. However, the mouse is perhaps the most important species in which researchers can now use in this technology because of two reasons: (1) the mouse is the most genetically manipulated mammal in the world and (2) it shares much of its genetic material with humans (and other mammals) which means that experimental findings in mice will often be directly relevant to conditions in humans. The paper focuses on the controversies and challenges in Gene Knockout Technology – an article/blog entitled “Sickle Cell Disease cured by Gene Knock-out”. Switching off a single gene can help treat sickle cell disease or sickle cell anemia (a chronic, usually fatal anemia marked by sickle-shaped red blood cells, occurring almost exclusively in Black people of Africa or of African descent, and characterized by episodic pain in the joints, fever, leg ulcers, and jaundice. The disease occurs in individuals who are homozygous for a mutant hemoglobin gene) by keeping the blood forever...
Words: 1516 - Pages: 7
...Chapter 12 Gene expression and regulation Bacterial genomes usually contain several thousand different genes. Some of the gene products are required by the cell under all growth conditions and are called housekeeping genes. These include the genes that encode such proteins as DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase, and DNA gyrase. Many other gene products are required under specific growth conditions. These include enzymes that synthesize amino acids, break down specific sugars, or respond to a specific environmental condition such as DNA damage. Housekeeping genes must be expressed at some level all of the time. Frequently, as the cell grows faster, more of the housekeeping gene products are needed. Even under very slow growth, some of each housekeeping gene product is made. The gene products required for specific growth conditions are not needed all of the time. These genes are frequently expressed at extremely low levels, or not expressed at all when they are not needed and yet made when they are needed. This chapter will examine gene regulation or how bacteria regulate the expression of their genes so that the genes that are being expressed meet the needs of the cell for a specific growth condition. Gene regulation can occur at three possible places in the production of an active gene product. First, the transcription of the gene can be regulated. This is known as transcriptional regulation. When the gene is transcribed and how much it is transcribed influences the amount of gene product...
Words: 9991 - Pages: 40
...I. Title Page A. Title 1. Does your title include something about what we did in the experiment? 2. Does your title include the full scientific name of the organism involved in the experiment? B. Authors 1. Did you include your lab mates' names on your paper? 2. Did you put your name first? II. Introduction A. General background information 1. What general information can you provide about E. coli? 2. Why should we care about gene transfer in bacteria? 3. Types of gene transfer? Which one was used in this experiment? B. What is the objective of the experiment? C. What is your hypothesis? Predictions? Variables? III. Methods A. Did you provide detailed steps? 1. Temperatures 2. Volumes 3. Incubation times B. Did you cite the lab manual? IV. Results A. What happened on your plates? B. Did you include a table with your results in it? 1. Did you reference the table? C. Did you only state results but not explain them? V. Discussion A. Did your results support or reject your hypothesis? 1. Give details. If your hypothesis is not supported, what could have caused your outcome? B. What is the importance of your findings? C. If you could change the experiment, what would you do? D. Did you incorporate your answers to the questions on page 4 & 5 of the lab packet? E. Did you bring this back to the "big picture" that you described in the introduction? VI. Literature Cited A. Are your sources listed in alphabetical order? B. Are all sources that were cited...
Words: 271 - Pages: 2
...April, 2015 Title? Thesis: While somatic cell gene therapy brings many advantages to the treatment of diseases and the quality of life, using germ-line gene therapy with the opportunities to genetically improve, alter, or fabricate human beings is unethical and should not be researched. Imagine this: You just got back from your germ-line procedure to alter your genes for brown hair and green eyes because you didn't want to pass them on to your children. Everyone is saying that having brown hair and green eyes is unattractive now and they're unwanted traits for future generations. Three months later the “fad” changes and people begin to think that having green eyes won't be so bad after all and that they're actually unique. Now you're left with passing on the Version 1.0 gene pool to your children while everyone else who waited could have children with green eyes. This is the future of germ-line gene therapy. Do we really want to live in a world where this is allowed? The thought of people changing their genes just to fit in and be desirable is unimaginable. While somatic cell gene therapy brings many advantages in the treatment of diseases and the quality of life, using germ-line gene therapy with the opportunities to genetically improve, alter, or fabricate human beings is unethical and should not be researched. Gene therapy is an exciting and new experimental medical procedure that replaces or deletes specific genes in our bodies to either treat or prevent disease....
Words: 2840 - Pages: 12
...Purpose: The purpose of this article is to describe gene-based therapy and how it transforms the way doctors treat and prevent disease, revolutionize the way we view illness and health and may eventually alter the way we perceive the normative human state. Gene transfer technology will inevitably spread to the world of athletics, bringing with it myriad medical, social, ethical, and philosophical challenges. This article explores some of these issues, with particular attention paid to concepts of harm and privacy. Problem: The problem with gene therapy is that using certain genes like would greatly benefit individuals with anemia and kidney failure or aggressive treatments of cancer but some of these genes are commonly abused in sports. The...
Words: 394 - Pages: 2
