• DNA’s Structure: DNA is made up of 4 different nitrogen bases found in nucleotides, the 4 bases are:

1. Adenine (A)
2. Thymine (T)
3. Guanine (G)
4. Cytosine (C)

• Who and When was DNA discovered?
  • DNA was discovered by the swiss biochemist Friedrich Miescher. He observed DNA during the late 1800’s.
• Why is DNA called the double helix?
  • The term ‘the double helix’ is used for DNA because of its twisted ladder shape. Likewise, it has the shape of a double helix (looks like a spring/spiral)!
     Epigenetics: Epigenetics is a way that you can turn genes on and off without changing your DNA code. Epigenetics can change your health and the well-being of your future generations.  
     
    Gene therapy: Gene therapy is a type of treatment that uses genes to prevent or fight diseases. That may include adding ‘good genes’ to someone who has a disease, replacing genes that aren’t working properly, or blocking a gene that is generating a problem. Several types of gene therapy are already available. There are many other types of gene therapy that are being studied.

    Ataxia-Telangiectasia: Ataxia-Telangiectasia is a type of mutation that is passed down from previous generations. Ataxia-Telangiectasia will lead to:

    ★  Ataxia (unsteady walking).

    ★  Body movements that are uncontrolled.

    ★  Telangiectasias (Small blood vessels that are clusters on the skin and eyes).

    ★  A weak network that helps the body fight diseases and other infections (immune system).

    There are no specific treatments for Ataxia-Telangiectasia but doctors will most likely recommend different treatments for different stages of Ataxia-Telangiectasia.

     

     

    Cystic fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis (also known as CF) is another type of mutation that is passed down (inherited) from prior generations. CF is when your body creates sticky, very thick mucus. The mucus causes problems in various organs (ex-lungs, pancreas, etc...). Cystic Fibrosis is a life-long condition that is very rare. In CF, doctors will give treatments based on your needs. There are some treatments that all people with CF will need.

     

    Hemophilia: Hemophilia is a most often inherited (hereditary) mutation. This is a very rare disease in which there is prevention of your blood to stop it clotting as it should (clotting is what helps you stop bleeding after an injury or cut. If clotting wasn’t in someone’s body, then they may bleed longer than usual or may bleed easily). Hemophilia affects both genders but females usually have a mild hemophilia and can pass the gene to their future generations while males are more often affected by hemophilia. There are a lot of ways to treat hemophilia!

     

     

    Sickle Cell Disease: Sickle cell disease is a hereditary mutation which is when red blood cells are not shaped as they should (red blood cells are a round shape but in sickle cell disease, they are shaped like crescent moons or sickles). The sickle shaped cells are sticky and stiff which block mini blood vessels when they  form clumps. That will lead to organ damage and pain because when the sickle cell shaped cells get stuck together, they will stop blood from moving as it should. The sickle-shaped blood cells break down faster than normal red blood cells (too few blood cells) which is a condition called anemia. Sickle cell disease is a lifelong condition with many different types of treatments in a treatment plan. There is only one scientific cure for sickle cell disease so far.  

My hypothesis was accepted because as found in my research, scientists are working on new ways to cure genetic disorders. Such as epigenetics, and gene therapy! Most of the types of genetic disorders use treatments that help make it less painful. For example, Cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, sickle cell disease, and ataxia-telangiectasia! Overtime, scientists have found more and more information on how to get rid of genetic disorders!