Dna: The Thread Of Life

701 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: The importance of DNA in the human cell

DNA: The Thread of Life

The "thread of life", is deoxyribonucleic acid, otherwise known as DNA.
It is the spiral shaped molecule found in the nucleus of cells. Scientists have known since 1952 that DNA is the basic substance of heredity. This was hypothesized, and later confirmed by James D. Watson and Francis Crick. They also know that it acts like a biological computer program over 3 billion bits long that "spells" out instructions for making the basic building blocks of life.

DNA carries the bodies genetic code, controls the development of an embryo, is capable of duplicating itself, and is able to repair damage to itself. DNA can be manipulated to change all kinds of things.
All DNA molecules consist of a linked series of unites called nucleotides. Each DNA nucleotide is composed of 3 subunits: a 5 carbon sugar called deoxyribose, a phosphate group that is joined to one end of the sugar molecule, and one of several different nitrogenous bases linked to the opposite end of the deoxyribose. There are 4 nitrogen bases called adenine, guanine, thymine, and cytosine. In DNA adenine pairs with thymine and guanine with cytosine. Medicine's ability to diagnose continues to exceed its ability to treat or cure. For example, Huntington's Chorea is an inherited disease that develops between the ages of 30 and 45, can be diagnosed before any symptoms appear.
This can be hard for both the individuals with the disease and their family.
There is a 3 billion dollar project underway right now called the Human
Genome Project, a 15 year program to make a detailed map of every single gene in human DNA. With automated cloning equipment to steer scientists through the DNA, scientists are finding human genes at the rate of more than one a day. This may not sound like very much but as technology increases the rate at finding them will increase. Since January 1993 to January 1994 scientists have located the genes for Huntington's disease, Lou Gehrig's disease, and the "bubble-boy" disease. Scientists are expected to find the first breast cancer gene any week now. Even with the best tools of today, the progress is full of surprises.
Human DNA is not like that of plants, in which the trait of color of a flower is determined by one gene. Even the color of a human eye can involve the interaction of several genes. Some complex genes, such as cystic fibrosis, can go wrong in any number of places. Scientists have already accounted for 350 places where the cystic fibrosis gene mutates, and more are being uncovered

Show More
Related

  • Ted Bieler's Helix Of Life

    501 Words  | 2 Pages

    Ted Bieler’s Helix of Life (1971) that is located outside the Medical Sciences building at University of Toronto is a sculpture made from a light grey concrete material. Its color appears to be plain which happens to match the exterior of the Medical Sciences building as well. Due to the age of the sculpture, it shows lighter and darker gray dents and streaks near the top and bottom and where it bends. Some of the markings have been made from the material and texture of the sculpture. The material used, which was said previously, is cast concrete. Using concrete without any smooth surface tools creates a rougher and coarse texture which is why it has dents and holes when viewing it up close. As the viewer looks at the sculpture from afar, its

    Read More

  • Ethical Issues Surrounding Genetic Screening and Genetic Engineering

    1918 Words  | 4 Pages

    In 1990, the first great stride of genetics took place. This was called the Human Genome Project, a large-scale operation that was designed to understand the human genome (genetic structure). Since its commencement, there have been many leaps and bounds that have taken place. For certain genetic issues that we once knew nothing about, we no...

    Read More

  • The Themes Of DNA And Ridley's Genome By Matt Ridley

    1954 Words  | 4 Pages

    The book Genome by Matt Ridley tells the story of the relationship between genome and life by examining the twenty three chromosomes of the human DNA. Each chromosome literally and metaphorically becomes a chapter in the literal and metaphorical book of DNA. In this book of DNA, Ridley examines a particular aspect of the chromosomes chapter by chapter to see how it affects life and humanity’s understanding of life, humans and genetics itself. Although each chapter dives into different aspects of DNA and gathers stories as varied as the genes’ applications, Ridley connects them with important ideas about life and humanity’s understanding of life.

    Read More

  • Persuasive Essay On Dystopian Literature

    561 Words  | 2 Pages

    Besides, how will people know who those 150 people are? " The dark side of too much health and genetics research is a common theme because technology furthers the possibilities of genetics and health research every

    Read More

  • Race for the Double Helix: An Analysis

    2257 Words  | 5 Pages

    ...hich inherited traits, such as those for genetic disease, can be tracked over generations. Throughout out the course of human development, scientists will continue to find new new ways to help the human race through the discovery of the human gene inside of each of us, its uses, as well as complications, that can help the survival of our species.

    Read More

  • The Human Genome Project

    1338 Words  | 3 Pages

    This book is about the amazing task of mapping and showing all the sequences of the thousands and thousands of genes in the human body. The book is split up into nine chapters each of which covers a different aspect of this incredible project. The book tells all about almost every aspect of the project. It tells all about the project and what the point is, what has been accomplished so far, and when they expect it to be finished. According to the introduction the project is actually expected to be finished sometime this year.

    Read More

  • The Collection and Retention of DNA

    1308 Words  | 3 Pages

    DNA testing has been the center of attention in many criminal justice cases. The United States corrections centers have utilized the DNA testing process. Seventeen death row inmates have been exonerated by the use of these tests. Earl Washington was convicted of rape and murder in 1984. Although he confessed to the rape, he was also diagnosed as being mentally retarded. In October of 2000 Mr., Washington was given a DNA test and was excluded as the rapist and murderer. The Virginia Governor pardoned Mr. Washington after he had served 16 years in prison with 14 of them being on death row (ACLU, 2011). DNA testing has become the rule rather than the exception; but what happens with the DNA after a person has been acquitted, dismissed, or exonerated. Where does DNA go to die or does it? Is the DNA destroyed, or is it retained in miscellaneous databanks for further retrieval and use? In 2010, the United States Congress began a campaign designed to encourage the states to require DNA to be taken from suspects whether they had been charged with a crime or not. In the case of S. and Marper v the United Kingdom found that the retention of the applicants' fingerprints, cellular samples and DNA profiles was in violation of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Is creating a policy in the United States that demand DNA from suspects helps in finding subsequent criminals or is it just leading to a track and trace policy?

    Read More

  • Deciphering Our Future: Cracking the Genetic Code

    571 Words  | 2 Pages

    Personally as i watched this Video I thought it would be so amazing if someone found a way so we can view our possible threats to our lives but with good point of views also come with some negative point of views. The reason why i think this would be a great advancements in our everyday lives is because it could potentially lead us to a cure to cancer if we could figure out what's exactly causing it, then maybe we could find a way to reverse it. I also think this gives us a heads up on what might be coming our way in the future and gives us some time to figure out how to make it so it doesn't happen. I also think this knowing your genetic code could be harmful to people's living habits, expenses and to their love ones. I feel as if people learned they were for instance were going to only live till they were 50 because of a disease they would live life carefully and take their time with a grain of salt versus if someone where to find out they wouldn't have any problems they wouldn't care what they ate or how much they spend or even how much time they have with their loved ones because they knew that nothing bad would come to them. I think this future technology is definitely something to think about and also something that could possibly change the world for good or bad, so whoever holds all this information needs to decide

    Read More

  • The Genome Revolution

    1083 Words  | 3 Pages

    For numerous years, the world’s most prestigious geneticists have been trying to crack the human genetic code, the intricate puzzle that defines each and every one of us as individuals. With the monumental success of the Human Genome Project, a new and exciting biological frontier is ready for exploration. The ramifications of the knowledge derived from this endeavor will no doubt be staggering for residents of the Rio Grande Valley and the world at large.

    Read More

  • The Human Genome Project Research

    637 Words  | 2 Pages

    In April 2003, researchers successfully completed the Human Genome Project, more than two years ahead of schedule. The Human Genome Project has already led to the discovery of more than 1,800 genes that cause disease (“NIH Fact Sheets…”). As a result of the Human Genome Project, researchers can find a gene suspected of causing an inherited disease in a matter of days, rather than the years it would have taken before. “One major step was the development of the HapMap. The HapMap is a catalog of common genetic differences in the human genome. The HapMap has accelerated the search for genes that have a say in common human disease, and have already produced results in finding genetic factors involved in conditions ranging from age-related blindness to obesity”(NIH Fact Sheet). The Can...

    Read More

  • 23andme Essay

    1311 Words  | 3 Pages

    23andMe, a web-based service that helps customer read and understand their DNA, is an extremely determined firm in the genomic industry with its mission, “To help people access, understand and benefit from the human genome.” (Our mission). The culture of 23andMe was built on its six fundamental values and beliefs. First, “Think big” in terms of utilizing genetic data to modernize health, wellness, and scientific study. Second, “We love DNA” as study of DNA uncovers the secret behind the remarkable human diversity globally.

    Read More

  • The Double Helix

    1858 Words  | 4 Pages

    "The discovery of the structure by Crick and Watson, with all its biological implications, has been one of the major scientific events of this century." (Bragg, The Double Helix, p1) In the story of The Double Helix, James Watson tells of the road that led to the discovery of life's basic building block-DNA. This autobiography gives insight into science and the workings within a professional research laboratory that few members of society will ever be able to experience. It also gives the reader an idea of the reality of life for one scientist and how he struggled with the problem of DNA. However, the author's style is marked by his lack of objectivity and inclusion of many biased opinions and personal prejudices.

    Read More

  • The Pros And Cons Of Human Genetic Engineering

    1309 Words  | 3 Pages

    But it will be a slow process, because one will have to wait about 18 years to see the effect of changes to the genetic code. ”(Hawking). The advancements that genetic engineering will provide for the human race is incredible and we will soon benefit from science and technology more than ever

    Read More

  • Speech: Genetically Engineered Designer Babies

    692 Words  | 2 Pages

    Parents now have the possibility of testing genes for mutations and genetic problems (BBC News).

    Read More

  • Overview of the Importance of DNA

    1575 Words  | 4 Pages

    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, heath, and the culture of modern life.

    Read More

More about Dna: The Thread Of Life

Open Document