life on earth (biological concepts from the non-science major perspective)

a. Do you think that using recombinant DNA technologies to change the genetic composition of a human egg cell is ever justified? b. If so, what restrictions should be placed on such a use? c. What about human cloning?

life on earth (biological concepts from the non-science major perspective)

The stem cells are captured from embryonic cells, but they also can be captured from the placenta and umbilical cord. a. If this is the case, why is there so much controversy on the subject? (It is not unethical after all to capture stem cells from the placenta or umbilical cord after the birth of a child). b. Also, can stem cells captured from the placenta or umbilical cord be used universally? In other words, can they be used on anybody (non-family members) for genetic medical reasons?

life on earth (biological concepts from the non-science major perspective)

Hemophilia is a sex-linked trait in humans. That means that the gene that is responsible for it resides on the X chromosome. Hemophilia is a hereditary disorder characterized by the failure of the blood to clot properly. As a result, such individuals suffer from excessive bleeding. Sometimes it results in death. Here are the questions: a. Have scientists pinpointed the genes which affect hemophiliacs? b. Is there a cure?

life on earth (biological concepts from the non-science major perspective)

1. When comparing the DNA molecule to a twisted ladder, what do the rungs of the ladder represent? 2. Describe the three major properties of genes that are explained by the structure of DNA? 3. What occurs on the sex chromosomes to determine the sex of a mammal? 4. Describe a difference between meiosis and mitosis? 5. A black guinea pig crossed with an albino guinea pig produces 12 black offspring. When the albino is crossed with a second black one, 7 blacks and 5 albinos are obtained. What is the best explanation for this genetic situation? 6. Many bacteria may be able to respond to environmental stress by increasing the rate at which mutations occur during cell di... click for more

life on earth (biological concepts from the non-science major perspective)

I have a major question about the hereditary genes. Using Mendelian genetics you can determine the likelihood of your eye color, your hair color, some things that fall in these lines, but at the age of 25 I would like to know how I can determine when I will have a head full of white hair. My father has some white hair and my mother has some, but not as much as I do, so I am guessing that maybe further down the line from the sides of their family that the genetics may lie there that will tell me who the culprit is for my early stages of white headed dom. This has me puzzled since I realize that there may be other factors involved to the whole deal. Can you help me to clarify this issu... click for more