Fine structure of a gene-DNA sequencing
Article Abstract:
DNA sequencing techniques may be used to detect a critical change in nucleotides of a gene that may produce a dysfunctional protein associated with a particular disease. DNA sequencing involves isolating and amplifying fairly short segments of chromosomal DNA to determine the sequence of the nucleotides in these fragments. One of the DNA sequencing methods involves an enzymatic reaction using DNA polymerase and certain terminators of the DNA chain, and may be automated quite well. The two DNA strands are separated from each other and DNA polymerase and deoxynucleotide bases are added to produce newly synthesized strands. The newly synthesized DNA strands are analyzed using a special sequencing gel that permits separation of DNA strands differing in length by only one base. Autoradiograph films of the dried gel reveal the sequences complementary to the strand from the template DNA. Automated sequencing may reduce the manual labor, time, and error involved in running the DNA sequencing reactions and gels and reading the sequences. Automation of DNA sequencing is being used to generate the full sequence of the human genome.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1995
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
In search of perverse polymorphisms
Article Abstract:
The attempt to associate disease with particular genetic variables is a complicated process in medical research. Genetic mutations may be harmful or fatal, but more commonly they are benign. Efforts to link variations in genes with specific clinical conditions must take into account the large number of harmless mutations. In proposing a relationship to disease, researchers must demonstrate a significant and clear genetic relationship and a plausible mechanism for the influence of a mutation. Genetic factors are most valuable if they can lead to improved treatment strategies.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
High hopes for the heart
Article Abstract:
Researchers have shown that heart muscle has the capability to repair itself somewhat after a heart attack. Stem cell transplants may facilitate this repair process, but much more research is needed before stem cells can be a viable treatment for heart attack.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2001
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Intake and sources of alpha-linolenic acid in Dutch elderly men. Associations of alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid with risk factors for coronary heart disease
- Abstracts: A new place to call home. Starting up the road to recovery. Too much work
- Abstracts: Raising kids in an age of affluence. Man of the house of the redefined. The family anchor
- Abstracts: Asthma consensus is unconvincing to many. Inhaled steroids and the risk of hospitalization for asthma. Therapeutic Options for Persistent Asthma
- Abstracts: Emergence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serotype typhimurium DT104 infections in the United States