Introduction
So far in the school term, we have discussed Mendelian genetics, the study of genetic traits in humans, statistical analysis and the central dogma. The sessions in class have illuminated on the theme of genes and genetics. Through the transcription of the DNA molecules to proteins, genetic information is passed from parent to offspring. However, due to the effect of environmental factors changes in the gene sequence results in disorders that are at times fatal. This is part of the reason why genome mapping was undertaken so as to use the human genetic blueprint for medical purposes. This paper will explore the theme of genes and genetics through the review of five articles that touch on the issue of genes and genetics all be it in a general perspectives. The theme is of interest because it illuminates on potential breakthrough in the treatment of chronic disorders. The positions held by the articles also provide a general premise to comprehend the concepts discussed in class.
Synopsis of articles
The article by Pollack (2013) relates to a new drug that not only treats an uncommon inherited disorder causes heart attacks and exceedingly high levels of cholesterol but also does so in a mode of action that shuts off certain disease causing genes. This article is in congruence to the general theme of genes and genetics but also resonates with the subject highlighted by the other articles. The article also delves into a breakthrough that gifts the society with the cure to an unfortunate condition. The article by Kolata (2013) illuminates on a new understanding on the growth of some of the most lethal cancers from a mutation found in a cancerous cell. The article, in line with the general theme of the paper, tells of the role of genetics in the understanding of the basic science of cancers. The revelations of the article afford the medical fraternity a better chance at understanding cancers.
The article by Pierson (2012) exposes feeling on goes through knowing they carry a mutation that gives them a ninety eight percent probability of developing cancer. It tells of the agony of knowing you could develop a lethal cancer, yet even in the abundance of artificial intelligence, one cannot help her situation. The article reveals the desperation that the breakthrough in genetic mapping for every individual could help alleviate. It shows how necessary the gains espoused in the article by Kolata (2013) are to the entire society. Einsenberg (2013) in her article tells of a cheaper alternative to interpreting genetics sequences. The computer is unlike the other systems that use distant servers or the internet. The article tells of a solution to the impediment told of in the article by Pierson (2012). With the new device, genetic analysis can help forestall the inheritance of disease causing genes. This would be of great benefit to the society.
The article by Kolata (2012) elucidates new approaches in the fight of cancer. The article tells of attempts by pharmaceutical companies to test the feasibility of drugs working against a wide array of cancers. Such a breakthrough would benefit the society by giving them a solution to multiple problems. The breakthrough envisioned in the article is the culmination of the efforts espoused in the other articles and the general theme of the paper.
Conclusions
The paper provided a synopsis of five articles all tempered by the general theme of the role genes and genetics play in the fight against cancer. They provide insights into attempts to better understand the threat of cancer and the reprieve that a breakthrough informed by genetics can offer. As such, I hold that the fight against cancers is better premised to succeed if the investigation into genetics is upheld. The field of genetics promises more breakthrough as evidenced by momentary successes like the genetic analysis machine, the new drug promising to cure the uncommon inherited condition as espoused in Pollack (2013). All in all, this offers a better foundation for future research into the cure for cancer. I agree with Pollack (2013) that even though doubts loom over the side effects of new drugs, especially the drug that treats the inherited condition that causes heart attacks and increased cholesterol levels, the gene silencing effects of the drugs will provide a new premise for intensified research.
Kolata, G. (2012, December 22). Drugs Aim to Make Several Types of Cancer Self-Destruct. The New York Times. Pp. A1-A4.
Pierson, E. (2012, December 31) Knowing You Carry a Cancer Gene. The New York Times. Pp. A1-A8.
Kolata, G. (2013, January 24). Mutations Found in Melanomas May Shed Light on How Cancers Grow. The New York Times. Pp. A1,A2,A3.
Pollack, A. (2013, January 29). F.D.A. Approves Genetic Drug to Treat Rare Disease. The New York Times. Pp. A1,A2,A3.
Eisenberg, A. (2013, February 2). Genomic Analysis, the Office Edition. The New York Times. Pp. A1-A3.
