Genetic Research : The Evolutionary Context Of Our Existence

Genetics is a field of science that has long been studied, but researchers and scientists have discovered a new branch that changes the way genetics and evolution has been looked at before. Deepak Chopra and Rudolph E. Tanzi skillfully describe this new subject in their book Super Genes. The book includes information on the history and discoveries of epigenetics, the changes the readers can make to unlock and harness the power of their genes, and the research and experiments that prove the benefits of those changes. Ultimately, the purpose of Super Genes is to inform the readers that they can control their own genes, despite preceding understandings of biological destinies, by making favorable lifestyle choices that leans towards the state of optimum health and well being.

The observatory sense demonstrated by scientists to eventually conclude that inheritance is more than genes and the DNA sequence is both commendable and insightful. It was surprising to find out that genes are not the only genetic components passed from one generation another. They are not the only one that influences transgenerational changes. More surprising was the revelations that the human genome has more than 30,000 genes that could be switched on and off due to environmental stimuli. Essentially, genes experience epigenetic changes. These chemical labels accrue over time and influence the turning on and off (BBC Channel TV, 2015). The switching on and off of genes causes humans to have different kind of cells. It is notable that the effect of the environment is a major factor in explaining the hereditary patterns and the

Within the last 100 years or so scientists have many valuable discoveries that have benefited mankind. These discoveries include the discovery of genes. Scientists have discovered what makes humans so unique from one another. However, with this newly gained knowledge of the function of genes comes the ability to alter or change them. Just imagine in the not so near future, you and your partner want to start a family together. You travel to your local gene councillor to pick the physical and characteristic traits of your child. That’s right. With the knowledge that has been gained about genes, scientists can “create” the perfect child genetically. The thought is scary. Nature has always taken us down the right path but are we really ready

The idea that our genetic code controls most aspects of our lives is arguable. Nowadays, scientists (cell biologists, neuroscientists, etc.) are uncovering concrete evidence that are genetic code is only one of the many complex system of the human body that sways our lives. According to one new study, (“Do

Since Charles Darwin raised the concept of natural selection, all generations have been enlightened with the idea of the “preservation of favorable variations and the rejection of injurious variations […] useful in some ways to each being in the great and complex battle of life (Darwin, 1). However, only the most recent generations have heard about something called genetic modification that in some cases we don’t understand, but whose effects have been increased in our daily life.

Since Charles Darwin raised the concept of natural selection, all generations have been enlightened with the idea of the “preservation of favorable variations and the rejection of injurious variations […] useful in some ways to each being in the great and complex battle of life.” (Darwin, 1) However, only the most recent generations have heard about something called genetic modification that in some cases we don’t understand, but whose effects have been increased in our daily life.

Genetics research has had a number of huge breakthroughs in the last 10 years. Researchers were able to identify and isolate genes that have been linked to heart disease, breast cancer, cystic fibrosis, and many other ailments. However this knowledge could be less of a blessing and more of a curse. Many doctors are now asking, who has the right to know? In one instance a pair of dwarf parents said that they would abort any fetus which did not carry the mutation for dwarfism, regardless of how healthy it is. Some consider that the gene which causes this mutation can also lead to serious disorders in bone structure. If the doctor discovers that the child does not have the mutation do the parents have the right to abort a perfectly healthy fetus. Ethicists say that the couple should not be informed as to whether their

Since Charles Darwin raised the concept of natural selection, all generations have been enlightened with the idea of the “preservation of favorable variations and the rejection of injurious variations […] useful in some ways to each being in the great and complex battle of life.” (Darwin, 1). However, only the most recent generations have heard about something called genetic modification that in some cases we don’t understand, but whose effects have been increased in our daily life.

Science has enabled humanity to thrive in a world where change is a prerequisite that must be achieved if an organism aspires to live. It allowed for the human race to bend and twist to accommodate to our needs. Death’s touch became a mere gesture we can avoid - most of the time. Although we stand at the forefront of human advancement, we are still held back. Genetic engineering, the direct modification of DNA, is the solution to the problems we continuously encounter today. Particularly, it would benefit areas such as food production, elimination of disease and disorders, and the fate of mankind itself.

“My scientific studies have afforded me great gratification: and I am convinced that it will not be long before the whole world acknowledges the results of my work.” -Gregor Mendel. Gregor Mendel, a.k.a “the father of genetics” was an Austrian monk and he is credited for discovering hereditary units. Mendel discovered hereditary units by breeding thousands of plants. Mendel specifically chose pea plants because they reproduce quickly and he could control how they mated. The pea plants showed Mendel that genes were hereditary. Mendel’s knowledge of genetics and heredity is relevant in today’s society for many reasons.

Understanding the human genome and human genetic variation has helped scientists with determining the origins of the human species, as well as helping to understand human movement and settlement. By understanding this, scientists have been able to track and understand the development of certain peoples and the traits they share. Scientists have applied such knowledge to the origins of modern day Europeans.

On the brink of the 21st century, genetics is paving the way into a brave, new world where the discoveries being made will bestow upon us tremendous powers and possibilities that are restricted only by our imaginations. Many things long considered "science fiction" are well on their way to becoming reality. Advancements made by the Human Genome Project give us the ability to alter our own destinies along with those of our descendents. However, along with the benefits of increased control over our lives come the uncertainties: Will humankind choose to draw boundaries in regards to genetic choices? Where will those boundaries be? How will this affect our future? Could our deepened knowledge of the power of

Introduction: In 1866 an Austrian monk, Gregor Mendel, presented the results of painstaking experiments on the inheritance patterns of garden peas. Those results were heard, but probably not understood, by Mendel’s audience. Now, more than a century later, Mendel’s work seems elementary to modern–day geneticists, but its importance cannot be overstated. The principles generated by Mendel’s pioneering experimentation are the foundation for genetic counseling so important today to families with health disorders having a genetic basis. It’s also the framework for the modern research that is making inroads in treating diseases previously believed to be incurable. In this era of genetic engineering the

Heredity is the passing on of characteristics from one generation to the next. These characteristics form from our parents and can include hair or skin colour, diseases or disorders. Heredity occurs to all living creatures including humans, animals, plants, bacteria, protists and fungi (Office of Education, 2015). In this report, I will be discussing heredity and when, where, who and how over the years scientists have discovered it. The main scientist who will be discussed in the report is Frederick Griffiths who tries to invent a vaccine , then Oswald Avery who was fascinated by Fredericks work and carried out further experiments. Then in 1950 Linus Pauling who discovered protein molecules which have a helical shape, then in 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick used the results of all these scientist to discover the meaning of life which was the structure of DNA.

Many people trust that DNA can be connected to the happiness and misery of the human population, and with a new gene we could define the meaning of human existence (Pragmatism).