DECODE The Script of LIFE

  GenBank Overview: Learn how to navigate NCBI GenBank with the following video: Activity 1: Retrieve the correct type of biological data from a given database. Go to -  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/60 .  Search for “gene” “ACTB”. This is the human beta-actin gene. Click on the GenBank link that will take you to the sequence of this gene. Learn the annotations here. Start of the gene, end of the gene, mRNA, and CDS, and the difference between them. Also, have a look at the expression pattern. Assignment:  Generate a report that will include - ACTB gene sequence, ACTB mRNA sequence, CDS sequence, and protein sequence. Please answer the following question in your report - How would you explain similarities and differences observed within these sequences? Repeat the same process for the human Insulin gene and include the same information for the human insulin gene in your report. Activity 2: Characterizing Data In this activity, you will characterize the genomic data from NCBI GenBan

  Introduction When a cell divides, one of its main jobs is to make sure that each of the two new cells gets a full, perfect copy of genetic material. Mistakes during copying, or unequal division of the genetic material between cells, can lead to cells that are unhealthy or dysfunctional (and may lead to diseases such as cancer). But what exactly is this genetic material, and how does it behave over the course of a cell division? DNA and genomes DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic material of living organisms. In humans, DNA is found in almost all the cells of the body and provides the instructions they need to grow, function, and respond to their environment. When a cell in the body divides, it will pass on a copy of its DNA to each of its daughter cells. DNA is also passed on at the level of organisms, with the DNA in sperm and egg cells combining to form a new organism that has genetic material from both its parents. Physically speaking, DNA is a long string of paired chemica

  Types of Genetic disorders Genetic disorders can be grouped into two types: Mendelian Disorders Mendelian disorders are mainly determined by alteration or mutation in the single gene. These disorders are transmitted to the offspring on the same lines as we have studied in the principle of inheritance. Most common and prevalent Mendelian disorders are Hemophilia, Cystic fibrosis, Sickle-cell anemia, Colour blindness, Phenylketonuria, Thalassemia, etc. It is evident that this X-linked recessive trait shows transmission from carrier female to male progeny. Examples: Name Genetic Trait Cause Effects Inheritance pattern Sickle cell anaemia Autosome-linked recessive A single point mutation in the beta-globin chain of haemoglobin Anaemia Offsprings may get the disease when both the parents are a carrier (heterozygote) Thalassemia Autosome-linked recessive Mutation in the genes HBA1 and HBA2 present on the chromosome 16 Formation of abnormal haemoglobin molecule resulting in anaemia Offsprin

  GENETIC MUTATIONS Genetic mutations  are spontaneous changes occurring in the genetic material, (DNA) of an individual. Mutations can be passed to the next generations or may not, depending upon the type of cell in which they occur.       They can be harmful, beneficial or even neutral. Usually these are caused naturally but they can be caused by harmful radiations or chemicals or drugs etc. Somatic cell’s mutations do not pass to the offspring. While the mutations in germ line cells are hereditary. The term mutation was given by Devries in 1909. Types of Mutations Two most basic categories of mutations are: Point mutations These mutations are those occurring only at certain points in chromosomes or the genes if it. For example, insertion, deletion etc. Chromosomal mutation More sever class of mutations is chromosomal mutations. It includes deletion of one or set of chromosome, or may be more number of chromosomes is present in genome than normal numbers. They can be due to change in