Estelle Kelty 9/13/15
AP Biology Article Review
A Surprise Source of Life’s Code
Ever since scientists discovered genes and DNA, we have thought of them as repeating patterns, copies, only slightly different than their parents. Recently however, scientists have discovered genes that defy these rules, genes that bear no similarity to other genes, or it’s relatives. These “orphan genes,” had puzzled scientists for many years now. Until recently, when it was proposed perhaps these genes are evolving from the, “junk DNA,” that lays between the genes. These genes, named de novo genes, used to be extremely rare and are recently becoming more common. While many doubt this idea, it is easier to believe when we think of the diversity of the organisms we see on Earth. If each of these organisms came all as forms of the first limited genetic building block, this diversity could go only so far. Even if this were true, the probability of random mutation of DNA to create functioning genes is not very high. These genes instead could be created as deformed, and harmful genes, such as those producing toxins, or excess proteins. “In humans, at least one de novo gene is active in the brain, leading some scientists to speculate such genes may have helped drive the brain’s evolution. Others are linked to cancer when mutated, suggesting they have an important function in the cell.” Although DNA sequencing has allowed better technology to identify these de novo genes, it is still very difficult to discover what each of them do. While studying these genes, they have be significantly increasing, some of them even becoming necessary for survival in many organisms. “Evidence suggests that a portion of de novo genes quickly become essential. About 20 percent of new genes in fruit flies appear to be required for survival. And many others show signs of natural selection, evidence that they are doing something useful for the organism.” These genes also produce newly shaped proteins, ones with looser structure, to be able to bind to a larger selection of molecules. These genes have become increasing more important and are being studied more than they had been previously.
This article is very important in terms of affecting society. The majority of humans now contain at least a few of these de novo genes. These genes can be harmful as well as helpful. They can mutate and become toxic, causing protein failure, cancer, or other unwanted diseases. It is important we learn more about these genes to be able to better understand them, how they form, what they do, and how to control them. These genes could become useful as we attempt to cure many diseases that plague our world, these could help us better understand genetics, and how even though we think we understand life, it is endlessly complicated.“The fact that being misregulated can have such devastating consequences implies that the normal function is important or powerful,” said Aoife McLysaght, a geneticist at Trinity College in Dublin who identified the first human de novo genes.” People of society do not understand that while these genes may seem to have no significance, every single discovery, the smallest to the largest affects us. It changes the way we live and the knowledge we have to help people. Science has been used for the worse or for the better, and we strive to learn more, to better understand this, and create more good, in the world, rather than the evil.
I thought the article was very well written. It was written in chronological order of the discoveries of these genes. I thought it did a good job explaining all of the more advanced topics and ideas about the genes, giving examples for each other genes discovered. The article could have introduced a few more human related examples about the genes rather than just mice and flies. One thing I would have changed in this article is the addition of more background on the basics of genes, DNA, and replication of genes, before speaking directly about the newly found genes. Otherwise, an overall good and educational article; keeping me informed with the scientific world.
Singer, Emily. "A Surprise Source of Life's Code." Scientific American Global RSS. Quanta Magazine, n.d. Web. 13 Sept. 2015. <http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-surprise-source-of-life-s-code/>.
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ReplyDeleteThere were many aspects of Estelle’s review that I liked. I enjoyed how she set it up. She started off by explaining what scientists used to think, and then how this discovery of the de novo genes has changed their thoughts today. She started off more broad and then gradually went into more detail. This helps the reader follow along easily. I also thought Estelle had a good understanding of this article. This topic is not as easy as others to understand, but she seemed to understand it all and have an interest in the topic. Lastly, I think Estelle did a great job explaining the effect of the discovery of the de novo genes on society. She explains that most people think genes do not have much significance, but I in reality it can have a great impact on humans.
ReplyDeleteEstelle did a great job on this review; however, I there are things I would change. It was clear she had an understanding on the topic, but I thought it was hard for the reader to understand. I thought she could have explained a little more what the de novo genes were and less of their effect. Also I thought Estelle could have described a little more what a de novo gene is. Her explanation of their effect and the discovery were well done, but I did not quite get the gist of what a de novo gene exactly is.
Before reading this article I had no idea genes could be harmful. I was aware that a issues with individual chromosomes could cause birth defects, but was unaware that genes were able to affect us. I also was amazed that the mutation of DNA could be random and not have something to do with the parent’s genes passed down. I would really enjoy reading more on this topic.