DNA controls biological structure and function
in all living things. DNA techniques allow scientists to examine
these control mechanisms and determine what happens when they fail:
The genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 code for proteins that prevent tumor
formation. People who have mutations in these genes are more prone
to develop breast cancer than those who do not have such mutations.
The gene TTN codes for the largest known protein in the human
body—titin, which forms our muscle tissue. Mutations in
this gene cause some cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the
excessive thickening of heart muscle. Symptoms of this disease
include chest pains and palpitations.
SOD1 codes for the natural antioxidant, superoxide dismutase.
Along with other antioxidants such as Vitamins E and C, superoxide
dismutase breaks down reactive chemicals that would otherwise
accumulate in our body to damage our cells, proteins, and DNA.
A mutation in the SOD1 gene is associated with the Lou Gehrig
disease, a condition in which the nerves controlling muscle
function become dysfunctional. This disease is named after the
baseball player who was forced to retire after the disease caused
him to lose motor control.
