Mutations - changes in the DNA sequence of a cell's genome
Summary
The research group, headed by Joris Veltman, searched the genomes of 10 mentally challenged patients, searching for certain genes that cause the disorder. Scientists have proven that mental retardation is common when the sperm has missing or repeated chunks of DNA. To find out if mental retardation is genetical, the scientists searched the genomes of both the patients and their parents. After searching through the extensive genome, scientists found that there are approximately 100 new mutations per generation. The scientists found a total of six genes that can possible cause genetical mental retardation. Veltman states, "the results indicate that new mutations are likely to be an important cause of brain disorders such as mental retardation."Discussion
This article offers increased insight on what mental retardation is. I chose this article because the brain interests me because of how complex it is. For example, one gene can make the difference between mental retardation and a regular life. The title drew me in because mutations are another topic that is truly interesting for me. In class, we are studying genes and how they function as well as reproducing. This article links common disorders to reproduction and how a simple disorder can be life-changing. This article was a ground-breaking step because before we can even attempt to cure the disorder, we need to understand how it functions. With further research, I hope that mutations will become a larger field for research as it affects so many children today. As new pathways of medicine open up, perhaps there will be a solution in the near future!
Questions
Is it possible to use an existing technique like gene therapy to attempt to remedy the mental disorder?
If the sperm has such a large impact on reproduction, would it be possible to modify the genome of the sperm to fix any possible disorders?
Citations
Saey, Tina Hesman. "Rare mutations key to brain disorders." Science News. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2010. <http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/
65454/title/Rare_mutations_key_to_brain_disorders>
Diwan, Piyush. "'The Brain Speaks' - in Paralysis." TopNews. N.p., n.d. Web. 18
Nov. 2010. <http://www.topnews.in/brain-speaks-paralysis-2273164>.
Your summary is very easy to understand and shows how scientists used a method of surveying genomes to find out if mental retardation was genetical. Your discussion shows that the discovery is significant by stating that if we know about the mutation, we will be more likely to cure it. Your questions suggest realistic methods in which to fix the mutations.
ReplyDeleteOverall, your blog addresses a very important topic and you prove the importance of knowing the patterns of mutation and suggests good ideas on how to solve the problem.